older kawai whippen assist springs

[Mark Schecter]

Kawai's spec for the downweight on some of their older KGs is something 
like 60 grams. I have a KG-5, and found it a bit heavy. So after doing 
the things you list below, I got out my gram weights, picked a number (I 
forget what), and tweaked the springs until the weight went down. 
Presto, et voila'! Lighterness was achieved.

All you have to do is pull the spring out of the loop, strengthen it by 
pulling it toward you (you're working from the hammer side), put it back 
in, watch the key, and repeat as necessary. I use a rep spring tool in 
the right hand, and a screwdriver in the left to push the loop out of 
the way. Goes pretty quick, and made me really glad those springs are there.

-Mark

TOM DRISCOLL wrote:
> List,
>     I'm servicing an older (1970 ish) Kawai grand tomorrow with very 
> heavy touch.
>     I'll be doing the usual ,i.e. easing tight balance rail holes , key 
> bushings, polish and lube keypins , capstans, lube knuckles, rep levers, 
> jacks , regulate----yada yada yada.
>    
>     My question is about these whippen assist springs-- I'm prepared to 
> experiment and figure it out, but am wondering if anybody has some 
> guidelines-tips for regulating these.
>     Thanks and best wishes to all for a safe holiday.
>     Tom Driscoll RPT
>