[pianotech] hammer return noise

[David Ilvedson]

Try repositioning the jack under the knuckle, even if out of regulation.   Make sure the rep height is right.   Any chance of swapping out a new Renner S & F and and hanging the hammer on it?   I think Tokiwa knuckles can be hard.   Maybe just change one knuckle with a Renner knuckle

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "Gene Nelson" <nelsong at intune88.com>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Received: 2/28/2010 8:26:16 PM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] hammer return noise


>Cloth is new and keys are level, dip set, action fine regulated.
>  ----- Original Message ----- 
>  From: Cy Shuster 
>  To: pianotech at ptg.org 
>  Sent: Sunday, February 28, 2010 8:07 PM
>  Subject: Re: [pianotech] hammer return noise


>  I agree with Zeno. Backrail cloth in good condition is not only important for noise, 
>but for key leveling, and hence good regulation.  Big win for small cost.


>  --Cy--


>  Cy Shuster, RPT
>  Albuquerque, NM
>  www.shusterpiano.com


>  On Feb 28, 2010, at 8:27 PM, Gene Nelson wrote:


>    Having a difficult time reducing hammer return noise
>    on a piano with new Tokiwa whips & shanks, new hammers,  key capstans,  back 
>checks, key pins and bushings, front and balance rail punchings, key buttons, and 
>key end felt.
>    Key frame is properly bedded.
>    Action is regulated.
>    All action frame joints and screws are solid and tight.
>    All action parts screws are tight.
>    All centers are at optimal friction with no wobble.
>    All hammer glue joints are solid.
>    All whippen glue joints are solid.
>    Hammer rest rail has new felt, is adjusted at correct height and nuts are tight.
>    Key stop rail has new felt and is adjusted for minimal up key movement.
>    I have checked the knuckles - the core is firm dense felt and a needle easily goes 
>in from the side. Buckskin is not too tight over cores.
>    I have had minimal to zero results using my sugar coater on the knuckle buck skin.
>    I can depress the key about 2mm, release it and give a slightly woody clunk upon 
>return.
>    Noise is a bit louder when hammer falls after releasing from check.
>    Happens on the bench and when secured in the action cavity.
>    It is noticeable when playing especially in the upper treble section with lid closed 
>but the noise exists in the lower parts as well but not quite so noticeable when 
>playing.

>    Any ideas would be helpful.
>    At some point I should just give up and accept it as normal action noise?
>    Thanks for your thoughts.
>    Gene