Steinway repetition problem

[Paul McCloud]

Hi, William:
    I'm going to second Mother about the wippen heels.  I'd go for replacement.  Also, check to see if the damper lever lift felt (end of damper lever) and see if there are divots.  The felt on these is very soft and not woven.  Sometimes the felt has "melted" something onto the spoons which causes them to become rough.  Then they "carve" holes in the damper lift felt.  
    You could also strengthen the hammer return springs.  Take out some of the shims from the spring rail, or replace the springs with stronger ones.  All the springs are suspect.  A stronger jack spring will help too.  
    Easiest is to rebalance the keys.  I hate jiffy leads, but in this case, you might need some.
    Good luck.
    Paul McCloud
    San Diego

Paul McCloud
Service Technician for PianoSD.com
www.pianoservsd.com 
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: Piano Boutique 
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: 03/24/2008 1:20:00 PM 
Subject: Steinway repetition problem


Greetings list,
 
Like so many that have written into this list, I am being backed into a corner and could appreciate any words of wisdom that might be offered.   I have a customer with a Steinway 42 inch vertical , serial, 331374 that looks like it came out of the 60’s.   The piano has what I think to be a Pratt Read action and the problem is with the repetition.   This is one of those pianos that have very little mass weight in the keys behind the balance rail.   When I started with it, there was a lot of free play in the capstans and of coarse, I thought I would improve it by adjusting them correctly.   Now the keys are stalling and I would like to solve the problem.   
 
I did take the action out and: shape hammers, clean, lube, tighten screws.   I replaced the action and adjusted: level, dip, let off, back checks and like I said; capstans.   I have had this problem with other Steinways like this one, but am getting tired of it and would like this one to work.
 
I know I can add weights to the backs of the keys, but that would make the touch heavier.   I could take out weights from in front of the balance point, but would like some suggestions on how to remove them carefully, so if it doesn’t work and decide to replace them I can.
 
The customer has been patient and given me my space to create the magic we do, but if it doesn’t play right, then no one is happy.   Thanks for any help in advance.
 
William
 
 
 
PIANO BOUTIQUE
William Benjamin
The tuner alone,
Preserves the tone.
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