[pianotech] Puzzler ala Wurly

John Formsma formsma at gmail.com
Sat Sep 12 07:33:18 MDT 2009


Terry,

Were the hammer shanks off the rest rail evenly, or was it more
pronounced in the middle of the piano?

--
JF

On Thu, Sep 10, 2009 at 3:37 PM, Terry Farrell <mfarrel2 at tampabay.rr.com> wrote:
> After I had properly diagnosed this problem, I realized it was pretty darn
> basic, but I have to admit that it took me a good little while to figure it
> out - I didn't get it right away. I know there are "certain techs" on this
> list that will have the answer to this puzzler is less than five seconds -
> so how 'bout we restrict diagnostic responses to those with maybe five or
> six or less years experience? If they can't figure it out, then the experts
> will have it in a jiff. Let's give the newbies (or newbie-ish) a day.
>
> Early 50s Wurly spinet - with the separate capstan rail. Lady said a couple
> keys were sticking. Piano hadn't been played in years. The piano had been in
> the same home for over 50 years, but was recently moved across the room.
> Open piano up and immediately notice all hammer shanks a good 3/8" or so off
> the hammer rest rail. Measure blow - about 1-1/8". All keys work, but if you
> play some of them slow, the jack doesn't reset under the butt, and hence the
> "sticking" keys. Some dampers are lifted just off the strings - others have
> no follow through. Everything else with the action appears "normal". Piano
> overall appears to be in better than average shape for what it is.
>
> What's going on here?


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