This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment Don and Bob: Thanks for the feedback. I agree fully that replacement of the parts is the best course. In this circumstance, the proper repair in the time allotted wasn't possible. It is a quick fix which I can't say I'm proud of, and I may be chasing this thing at a later date. I am no piano engineer, and I realize that the design of the hammer butt is time tested. No question of redesign by me. I was only concerned with somehow getting this piano quieted down. I've done the full butt replacement route before, and I don't have a set handy. Last time it took many hours getting the old shanks out and regluing them in the new butts. I tried replacing the buckskin on a few, and it would have taken much longer than full replacement. I have never done this buckskin repair before. I'll be tuning the piano in the home in a few months, and I'll see how it fares. Paul McCloud San Diego -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of BobDavis88@aol.com Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 9:07 AM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Re: Bedevilled by a Baldwin yet again Paul McCloud writes: What I did was to place a self adhesive felt dot (the kind you put under objects you don't want to scratch the surface they sit on) about 3/8" diameter on the back edge of the jack tip, with the felt just peeking over the tip edge Hi Paul, While I applaud your creativity, often a design has been worked out over many iterations, and small changes might have effects which we don't foresee. Baldwin used an unproven material which failed later. However, they still did not change the original design, which was to use the friction and durability of the butt skin on the keystroke, and its silencing capabilities on the return; and to use the angle of the jack/butt engagement for a positive energy transfer while allowing the (smooth, lubricated) jack tip to slip easily while not under pressure (upon return). In addition to the lack of durability of the stick-ons, it could be said that your method makes other design changes, such as a difference in the depth of engagement of the jack, as well as a significant difference in the friction upon its return. I would guess that the repair time didn't differ significantly from a return to the time-tested configuration. Shortcuts which might compromise the function are almost never cost-effective (or reputation-enhancing) in the long run, which is what we have the pleasure to deal with. There are things in piano design that can be improved, but I want to make sure I have considered all the ramifications before I make a change - not because of respect for the original designer, but because there might indeed be a good reason that I just don't see. I have made a few thoughtless "improvements" which have come back to bite me in the . Best wishes for a durable repair, Bob Davis ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/55/31/11/49/attachment.htm ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment--
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