[pianotech] Replacing dampers on a 1908 Steinway Upright

[Joseph Garrett]

Will,
I disagree. But, suit yourself. 
My thought is this: Too much damping is just as bad as not enough. 
Most techs dislike over-damper pianos, because they do not dampen like the
pianos they work on. Big mistake. The intended overall sound of the
instrument is altered significantly when we attempt to make it something it
was not intended to be. That's my take on this. It's served me well.
Best,
Joe


> [Original Message]
> From: Encore Pianos <encorepianos at metrocast.net>
> To: <joegarrett at earthlink.net>; <pianotech at ptg.org>
> Date: 2/6/2012 6:36:19 PM
> Subject: RE: [pianotech] Replacing dampers on a 1908 Steinway Upright
>
> The Tokiwa kit or equivalent is superior in damping to the original
design.
> The original dampers are too small to damp as effectively as the longer
bass
> and tenor dampers of the kit.  The new Steinway upright dampers are longer
> than the old for that reason and damp better.
>
> Will Truitt  
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On
Behalf
> Of Joseph Garrett
> Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 8:57 PM
> To: pianotech
> Subject: Re: [pianotech] Replacing dampers on a 1908 Steinway Upright
>
> Terri the Uni-Geezer asked: 
> "I"m replacing worn hammers and *dampers* on a client's old Steinway
> upright, circa 1908. Having never replaced dampers on this particular
model,
> I was unaware that--apparently--replacing dampers on this piano is a
> NIGHTMARE, and one of the most difficult damper jobs of ANY piano, either
> upright or grand. Is this true? This gloomy scenario was communicated to
me
> by a tech who works at a local piano supply house, but I'd rather not
> mention who. 
>  
> I was told that the felts, especially the treble, are 'tapered' and that
you
> must "peel little layers off as you work your way up", or they won't lift
> properly, and won't dampen correctly. Basically I was told that ALL the
> dampers are almost impossible to get right with modern day replacements,
> without significant modification. Pics attached are from the action
showing
> the dampers. I would appreciate ANY advice the forum member may have, and
> what you might suggest, short of declining the job!
>  
> PS: Brooks LTD told me that the Tokiwa TDVK damper kit (pic also attached)
> would work well. Your thoughts on this would also be appreciated."
>  
> Terry "UniGeezer" Peterson,
>
> Replicating is far less difficult than climbing that big-ass hill!<G> So,
> suck it up and reproduce exactly what is there. If you do not have the
> necessary damper felt, (in strips and sets), the Guillotine cutter, Hot
Glue
> Pot and other assorted tools necessary to that job, get them or farm it
out
> to someone who can do the job correctly. The Tokiwa set may work.
> Then again, maybe not. I've done several of these actions.. They ARE the
> most difficult to work on, IMHO, so meticulous work is required. OR, you
> will have the biggest nightmare of your piano loving career. (I've had to
> clean up the mess of others that did not take this advice...not a fun gig
> fer sur.) However, this is a worthy effort, since the Steinway Uprights of
> that design/era were, IMO, some of the best, ever. Yes, they are cranky
> critters, but the end result can be extremely gratifying/satisfying.
> So........Go For It Big Uni-Geezer Dude!<G> Best, Joe P.S.
> If you need specific help, feel free to call me.
>
>
> Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
> Captain of the Tool Police
> Squares R I
>
>