[pianotech] sustain pedal problem

[David Ilvedson]

Those springs just don't work as well as a real fulcrum...they bend without any movement of the pedal rod...does anyone have a quick and easy retro-fit?   

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "Claude Harding" <charding88 at comcast.net>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Received: 8/3/2009 4:58:10 PM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] sustain pedal problem


>Tom,
>  I would recommend checking the alignment of the spring.  To serve as the
>most efficient fulcrum, I think it should be "in line" on a line between the
>pedal prop and the place where it engages the bottom of the pedal dowel.  If
>possible, the bottom of the pedal dowel should be directly below the point
>where it engages the damper lift rod, not at a significant angle.  This may
>not always be possible, but get it as close as you can.
> That's my recommendation.  If it doesn't work, it is evidently worth
>everything it cost you.  :-)
>Claude Harding

>  _____  

>From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
>Of Tom Sivak
>Sent: Monday, August 03, 2009 4:30 PM
>To: pianotech
>Subject: [pianotech] sustain pedal problem


>List 


>I'm sure many of you have dealt with this problem, on Wurlitzers and other
>spinets, and I seek your advice.

>The problem: the sustain pedal does not lift the dampers due to the trap
>lever not pivoting very well.  The trap lever on this piano pivots on a "C"
>shaped spring, which is anchored to the floor of the piano and to the lever.
>In a perfect world, it would rock back and forth on this spring, the pedal
>pulling it down on one end, and the other end going up to raise the damper
>lift rod.

>However, the lever moves laterally when the pedal is depressed, and there is
>very little damper lift.

>I've seen loose anchoring screws cause the problem, and have tightened or
>shimmed the holes and tightened them.    But the screws are tight on this
>one.  It just seems to lean to the side instead of rock.

>Any suggestions on a fix?  New spring, maybe?

>Tom Sivak
>Chicago
>