Kimball touch weight

[Robert Goodale]

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It sounds like Abel Lights would probably be appropriate on this piano
if you are interested in preserving the original design.  (I prefer Bud
Light but I'll take whatever I can get).  If the piano is excessively
light, however, normal Abel hammers would certainly bring the weight up
and may be a better choice.  As far as relocating the key leads, be sure
to plug the original lead holes first.  Failure to due so would cause a
weak area in the key which would then be susceptible to breaking.  Also,
it is important to use the same type of wood, (i.e. spruce or whatever),
and line up the grain in the same direction as the original.  This will
insure a consistent expansion rate during humidity increases and
minimize the risk of splitting the surrounding key wood.  Use a plug
cutter in a drill press to manufacture new plugs.  In the past I have
made plugs by cutting them from a set of old keys from a junk piano.
This way they were about the same age and quality.

Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, NV

Paul wrote:

> List I'm replacing the hammers on a Kimball player grand about 5'2". I
> chose the Abel lights mainly because of the success I've had with them
> in the past on other small grands. The action is the old Thayer style.
> The wippens have no rep. spring adjustment screw. The touch weight
> with the original hammers averaged 30g down and 10g up. The new
> hammers as sampled almost eliminate the down weight. Talk about light!
> The action has been gone through and new key bushings installed.
> Friction/pinning done.The keys have 4 to 5 1/2 oz weights in front of
> the balance rail. I know I'm in for a touch weight project, but I
> can't spend a lot of time at this. The money situation is very tight.
> The piano is a gift and the children are interested in piano. A quick
> fix is out of the question. I was wondering if anyone has a trick or
> two for just removing the original key leads and moving them to get
> this thing to work. I'd like to end up with a touch weight of about
> 45g. Does this sound reasonable? Paul Chick

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