[pianotech] keys acting odd

[Paul McCloud]

Hi, Marshall:
    Are the keys binding or rubbing on the keyslip?  Sometimes there are some punchings that somebody placed behind the keyslip to prevent the keys from toucying it,.  Maybe they fell off.  Reconnecting the stack usually doesn't affect the regulation unless it has moved forward or backward on the keyframe, which would cause the backchecks to rub on the hammertails.  But that doesn't sound like your problem.  At least be sure all the action stack screws are tight and everything is seated properly.  If the stack isn't seated or has shifted that would cause problems.
    You'll need to remove the action again to determine where the keys are binding, and probably need to remove the stack again.  Check to see if the leads are expanded and rubbing the keys next to it, or maybe they are loose.  Look for more debris or sand between the keys.  Something may have been dumped in there or fell in when the fallboard was open (like when a pencil falls in there).
    Good luck.
    Paul Mccloud
    San Diego


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Marshall Gisondi 
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: 06/25/2011 6:55:19 PM 
Subject: [pianotech] keys acting odd


Hi Everyone,
A couple of weeks ago, I went to work on a Hardman grand. It had a small rock of all things lieing on top of the keys of all places. How it got in there is very odd.  My customer said it happened when the piano was moved.  I had to remove the stack in order to get to it.  
 
I put the action back in, and noticed that it was affecting some dampers.  I lifted them by had gently and it seemed to help. I'm wondering if the action is back too far?  
 
Also,  My customer thought he'd help me by taking the key upstop rail off, why I have no clue.  It didn't help me one bit. In fact one of the washer is missing.  So my questions are these.  First the small washers are placed on first then the rail and then the other washer/nut looking things correct?  Also he said that some keys were coming back up slow. I didn't change any of the regulation of the action at that time so I am thinking when I go back again to tune it, I will need to readjust it.  He didn't say where the key seemed to be binding. I did notice that the keys had a heavier touch after having the action put back in.  Would reconnecting the stack change the regulation?  What would you guys suggest when I head back to tune it?  He didn't say if the keys were binding on the front.  this is an old piano.  Thanks
Marshall

Marshall Gisondi Piano Technician
Marshall's Piano Service
pianotune05 at hotmail.com
215-510-9400
www.phillytuner.com 
Graduate of The School of Piano Technology for the Blind www.pianotuningschool.org Vancouver, WA
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