Help regulating sostenuto

Paul McCloud pmc033@earthlink.net
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 11:30:19 -0800


Hi, Mike:
	Ok, I understand now what you've got.  I'm going to assume that the tabs
aren't supposed to hit the sostenuto blade if it's in use.  If that's the
case, then the sostenuto has to raise high enough for the tabs to clear
when you press a key.  That means the sostenuto needs to lift the dampers
higher than key lift-height.
	You could also change the timing of the dampers so they lift later, or
adjust the dip in the key so the key doesn't lift the dampers as high.  At
this point I'm just throwing out some ideas.  Most of the pianos I work
with have the sprung tabs.  
	
	Maybe some others have suggestions.  I'd have to see it in person to offer
any other ideas.  Good luck.
	Paul McCloud
	
	


> [Original Message]
> From: Michael Spalding <spalding48@earthlink.net>
> To: pmc033@earthlink.net, Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Date: 12/17/2005 10:53:27 AM
> Subject: RE: Help regulating sostenuto
>
> Paul and LIst,
>
> I'm sorry, I guess I was not clear about the nature of my question.   The
> sostenuto tabs are the non-pivoting type.  Therefore, if the sostenuto
> blade is supporting dampers at the same height as the key-lift, then keys
> played while the sostenuto is activated will encounter increased
resistance
> before the key is fully depressed.  The top of the sostenuto tab on the
> note being played will contact the bottom of the sostenuto blade.  The key
> will be trying to lift the damper to a height such that the bottom of the
> sostenuto tab is even with the top of the blade, but it will be trapped
> beneath the blade.  Something will have to give.  Are these non-pivoting
> tabs supposed to flex enough to let this happen?  Is the player just
> supposed to put up with this added resistance?  Hope the question is now
> more clear.
>
> thanks
>
> Mike
>
>
> > [Original Message]
> > From: Paul McCloud <pmc033@earthlink.net>
> > To: spalding48@earthlink.net, Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
> > Date: 12/17/2005 9:37:21 AM
> > Subject: RE: Help regulating sostenuto
> >
> > Mike:
> > 	It sounds like you need to limit the travel of the sostenuto linkage so
> > that the blade doesn't lift the dampers higher than key-lift height.  
> > 	Having said that, it could also be that the sostenuto blade isn't at
the
> > proper angle at rest.  If it's too close to horizontal (viewed from the
> > end), it will lift too high  when in use.  Set it about a 45 degree
angle
> > at rest, or whatever angle it needs, so it's not lifting the dampers too
> > high when the pedal is fully depressed. Limit the trapwork movement
> (adjust
> > capstans or install felt blocks above the lever) so the sostenuto rod
> > doesn't turn too far. Set the height of the sostenuto rod so that the
> > sostenuto tabs peek above the blade about 1/16".  Set the proximity of
the
> > blade to the tabs so it's not too close or too far by adjusting the
> > brackets in or out.  I don't know the Knabe configuration, but the Asian
> > pianos have brackets screwed into the bulkhead.  Yours may be held by
> posts
> > in the keybed.  
> > 	As far as the upstop rail is concerned, you need to set it by using a
> > black key fully depressed.  Leave a very minimal travel of the damper
> while
> > the key is depressed.  It's ok to have the dampers lift minimally,
> assuming
> > the damper felt fully clears the strings.  If your trapwork is properly
> > adjusted, you won't have a problem. 
> > 	I hope this isn't as clear as mud.  Good luck!
> > 	
> > 	Paul McCloud
> > 	San Diego
> > 	
> >
> >
> > > [Original Message]
> > > From: Michael Spalding <spalding48@earthlink.net>
> > > To: Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
> > > Date: 12/17/2005 5:58:52 AM
> > > Subject: Help regulating sostenuto
> > >
> > > It's an old Knabe with non-pivoting tabs.  Regulation accomplished so
> far:
> > > 1.  Dampers lift evenly from keys.
> > > 2.  Dampers lift evenly from pedal, not quite as high as from keys.
> > > 3.  Sostenuto picks up dampers from either Key-lift height and raises
> them
> > > above Key-lift height so that when additional notes are played, the
top
> of
> > > those tabs don't hit the bottom of the sostenuto blade.
> > >
> > > I'm happy with how all of that is working, but the problem is in
setting
> > > the damper upstop rail.  When high enough to leave room for sostenuto
> > > operation, it's too high for normal playing.   Or I could set it for
> > normal
> > > playing, compromising touch when the sostenuto is in use.  What do you
> all
> > > do?
> > >
> > > thanks
> > >
> > > Mike
> > >
> > >
> > > Michael Spalding
> > > spalding48@earthlink.net
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
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> >
> >
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>
>
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