Need Some Input

[Michael Magness]

On Thu, Jul 24, 2008 at 9:19 PM, Matthew Todd <toddpianoworks at att.net>
wrote:

> I was working on my piano this evening, and I noticed two problems, and I
> wanted to get some input before I proceed.
>
> 1.  When I play one particular note, I hear a clicking sound.  It is from
> the action, not the key.  I believe it is the jack rubbing against the
> underside of the butt, and the buckskin in worn off.  When I pull the jack
> back with my screwdriver and release it, it does make the same kind of
> sound.  And when I press down on the key, wait a few seconds, then release
> it, I hear it too.
>
> 2.  On a few notes I hear what sounds like a faint squeak.  I believe it
> may the front rail pin rubbing on worn bushing cloth underneath.
>
>
> Matthew
>

Hi Matthew,

I believe you've had some excellent advise on the hammer butt issue so I
won't bore you with more, just suggest checking the catcher for tightness as
well. I have seen them come unglued and click as you describe, either the
catcher itself or the dowel that is glued into the hammer butt.

As for the squeak, I agree with those who say it is probably not the front
rail pin but most probably the center rail pin with one caveat.
Try playing the same notes with the sustain pedal fully depressed and see if
the squeak is still there, if it is then address it at the key.
If not check the damper spring slots on the damper lever, they were
originally coated with a dag-type substance which has probably worn through.
My favorite fix for this is a number 2 pencil nicely sharpened, use it to
"color in" the area where the spring rubs against the slot in the damper
lever.

This is an "old school" fix that doesn't come out of a spray bottle or
aerosol can but it lasts longer, doesn't "gunk up" the action and it works.

If the problem is at the key, teflon powder will quiet it for the moment but
teflon powder isn't forever and will wear/migrate away in time. I am not a
fan of Protek for action/key problems because it masks the real problem
which eventually will re-appear. I prefer to assess the problem and if the
customer is willing repair it in the apropriate fashion.
If your keybushings are squeaking it means one of 3 things, the wrong glue
or too much of it was used, the wrong felt was used, the felt has worn
through to the glue.
Based on your description of the clicking hammer butt buckskin, my bet would
be the wear, which means your keys, at least the balance rail, are due for
rebushing.

Tom Driscoll gave you some excellent advice, the wording is different but
it's what I tell the newbies I work with. When you are in a customer's home,
you are the expert which means you have to figure it out, you have
everything you need at your disposal. If it's a key problem, there are 87
comparisons to make. Start with plan A and as you are implenting it, figure
out plan B, just in case, if you need plan B, figure out plan C and so on.
I've gotten to plan F a few times.

<grin>

Mike

-- 
I feel sorry for the person who can't get genuinely excited about his work.
Not only will he never be satisfied, but he will never achieve anything
worthwhile.
Walter Chrysler



Michael Magness
Magness Piano Service
608-786-4404
www.IFixPianos.com
email mike at ifixpianos.com
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20080725/6419fde4/attachment-0001.html