Looking forward to Wurzenizing an M

[reggaepass@aol.com]

We recently shimmed the balance rail on a S & s D in order to minimize 
the stacks of punchings. Hardwood veneers sandwiched between the 
balance rail and cross members will do the trick nicely (be sure to 
pre-punch the shims for glide bolt and screw holes prior to 
installation). Better feel and easier regulating.

  BTW, when consolidating punchings on an action that is close re: level 
and dip, we measure the entire stack of old punchings with a dial 
pressure gauge (spring loaded for consistency of measurement) and then 
substitute with fewer/thicker punchings measuring the same (or 
calculating whatever increase or decrease is needed), arranged in 
hierarchical order (fatties on the bottom).

 Alan Eder

 -----Original Message-----
 From: Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
 To: Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
 Sent: Tue, 13 Dec 2005 07:05:58 -0500
 Subject: Re: Looking forward to Wurzenizing an M

  Is there any rule of thumb that suggests it is better to raise/shim 
the entire balance rail upwards rather than use an inch-tall stack of 
punchings on the center pins to get keys to a proper height?
  
 Terry Farrell
  
 ----- Original Message -----
  
  I just finished installing Wurzen punchings, regulating (plus doing 
the prep that had never been done) tuning and voicing a 9 year old 
Steinway B.  Man, I worked as fast as I could and it was still a 3 day 
job (insert Gershwin tune here--nice work if you can get it).  Spilled 
my box of punchings again (no, that wasn't part of the three days' 
work).  The pianist, a university piano professor, was <extremely> 
pleased (I got a triple digit tip, too!).  Not only did I replace the 
soft punchings, but there must have been a shortage of card punchings 
when this piano's keys first got leveled and the dip set.  There were 
tons of blue and green paper punchings--another source of the spongy 
feel, though I must admit, the colors looked pretty.  I quickly went 
through my on hand supply of thick card punchings replacing the blues 
and greens. I had just enough!   This has taught me to carry extra bags 
of card punchings on regulation jobs.
  
  BTW, leveling the strings on this piano was a lot easier than the last 
piano I did--maybe I've gotten stronger.  :-)
  
 I love doing this kind of work.
  
 Have fun!
  
 Barbara Richmond, RPT