[pianotech] Sticking key question

[Claude Harding]

Matthew,
  I think Dean May has identified the problem.  
 
If using the pedal to disengage the dampers from the equation causes the
keys to come back up, that is characteristic of a damper spoon hanging up in
the damper lever felt.  Sometimes the damper spoon gets dirty or corroded,
or poorly adjusted, and digs a divot in the felt on the damper lever, then
hangs up in it.
 
Engaged dampers would help to overcome most other causes of sluggishness in
the action.
 
The problem may be apparent with only the three keys now, but other notes
may be worn and ready to cause problems in the near future.  Be sure to
check them all.  You will have to pull the action to get a good look at
everything.
 
Good luck!
Claude Harding

  _____  

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Matthew Todd
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 5:07 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] Sticking key question



I had a client call me today with several sticking keys.  I understand that
diagnosing a sticking key problem over e-mail is next to impossible, but my
client gave me some info that I thought possibly some of you, with
experiences, might give me a few ideas as to the source of the problem.
 
The piano is a Kimball console.  My client says that when she plays the
piano while using the damper pedal, nothing is wrong.  But when the piano is
played without the pedal, at least three keys stay down, and then slowly
come up.  In fact, she said that when the keys are down, she'll press the
damper pedal, and they will return on their own.
 
That is the situation, and if anyone has ideas, I will listen.
 
Thank you in advance,


TODD PIANO WORKS 
Matthew Todd, Piano Technician 
(979) 248-9578
http://www.toddpianoworks.com <http://www.toddpianoworks.com/> 
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