Heintzman console jack return problem.

[Paul]

Doug
Several years ago a Sojin console had jacks hanging up similar to what you
describe. The problem turned out to be the nap on the hammer butt buckskin
and a rough edge on the jack.As the jack returned it would snag on the nap.
First the jacks were sanded smooth with a slight radius on the leading edge
and then grafited. This helped a lot. But the jacks would still catch the
nap now and then. That's when it was decided to reverse the buckskin so the
jack could lay the nap down as it returned. Problem solved. This particular
piano had very short keys, almost spinet length, and a very light fluffy
feeling action.

Paul Chick
----- Original Message -----
From: <Douglasmahard@AOL.COM>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2000 10:33 AM
Subject: Heintzman console jack return problem.


> Hi all,
>
> Heintzman console with jacks not fully returning under hammer butt.  The
keys
> are weighted/balanced such that the lost motion is taken up on most keys.
On
> my experimentation key (middle C) I added a key weight which allowed me to
> feel the lost motion, but the jack still would not return when letting the
> key rise slowly.  Next I installed a new jack spring with no improvement
of
> jack return.  I also checked the profile of the butt leather and it looked
OK
> to me.  Graphited the top of the jack also.
>
> I would appreciate any insight.
>
> Thanks and have a great weekend.
>
> Doug Mahard
>