[pianotech] Schwander grand jacks

[John Ross]

I have had to do the repair periodically.
Fishing line should do. I use stuff I got from the supply houses.
One piano in particular, they don't want to pay to have them all done, so I 
have been going back for years, a service call each time.
So I recommend replacing them all, or at a minimum, give them all a test 
pull, with say a crochet hook, and replace the ones that break.
If they just want one replaced, make sure that you note on the bill which 
one, because sure as ****, if another one breaks, they will say it was the 
one you fixed.
I drill out the old cord, and use a tooth pick and glue to wedge in the new 
cord.
Watch that the loop is the same as the others.
John Ross,
Windsor, Nova Scotia
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Warren & Cindy Stieg" <wscs75 at gmail.com>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 1:33 PM
Subject: [pianotech] Schwander grand jacks


     I'm new to this forum, but I ran into a problem yesterday on a
Kimball grand with Schwander action.  Thirteen keys aren't working.
Turns out the little cloth loops on the back of the jacks that the
jack return springs hook into are torn.  Schaff doesn't have these
jacks anymore.  They say Kimball went out of business about 15 years
ago.  Do any of you guys out there have any of these jacks.  Remember,
they're for a grand.  If I can't find any, do you think I could
replace these string loops with something--I don't know what.  Maybe
strong fishing line.  Anybody ever do anything like this.  I'd hate to
see the piano junked, although I'm no particular fan of Kimballs.  Any
comments would be appreciated.  Thanks!
     Warren Stieg