Tips on finding leaking damper

[J Patrick Draine]

On Saturday, February 8, 2003, at 07:42 AM, Farrell wrote:

> OK. Now I have a leaking damper problem (middle C). Nice little Yamy 
> P22. I've checked all the things below, everything seems A-OK (except 
> the ringing of course). I fluffed up the felt a bit with a needle as a 
> last resort - changed it a little, but no real improvement. I told the 
> owner if it did not quiet down in a week or two on its own, we will 
> change the felt on the offending damper when we tune the piano in a 
> week or two. Does that sound like the best approach?

> 2. Check that the dampers move(follow) when you push on strings.

Another way to look at this: check the damper spoon timing when 
depressing the key. Possibly more accurate than the "push the strings" 
test.

> 3. Pluck each string to check for ringing.

I assume the mid C damper is flat. If not, a silk cord in the wedge may 
help spread the wedges to improve damping.

I doubt anything will "quiet down in a week or two on its own". Plan on 
visiting again with that new felt.

Happy damping,
Patrick Draine