[pianotech] Replacing dampers on a 1908 Steinway Upright

[Joseph Garrett]

Will,
Are you playing Devil's Advocate?<G>
See my answers below


> [Original Message]
> From: Encore Pianos <encorepianos at metrocast.net>
> To: <joegarrett at earthlink.net>
> Date: 2/6/2012 8:05:09 PM
> Subject: RE: [pianotech] Replacing dampers on a 1908 Steinway Upright
>
> Well, Steinway altered the design on the K-52's to a larger damper.  Who
> decides what it was intended to be?  Steinway changed the design, so they
> must have decided that the earlier one wasn't what they intended it to be.

If you really knew the real story, you wouldn't be making that statement or
question. Truth is: They discontinued manufaccturing the K-52. And, as the
story goes, tossed out all of the original plans/jigs/fixtures,etc. Then,
years later, they decided that was a bad decision and decided to start
making that model again. They started with an olde one, that was not in
very good shape and tried to replicate it. However, they decided to use
Pratt-Win keys and actions instead of the original stuff. BIG FUBAR!!!
(this was during the time of TEFLON) I suspect there are still a few of
those turkeys out there.<G> Then, they decided to use Renner parts. It has
morphed into what it is today. Is it as good as the original design? I
don't think so! It's close, but it just ain't the same. The originals
had/have a beautiful singing quality throughout the scale. The new ones
seem to be somewhat lacking imo.  
>
> The history of piano design was evolutionary up to the last hundred years
or
> so.  Who decides when it has been perfected?

That, sir, is a totally ridiculous question that I will not justify with my
answer!!!
>
> What is "too much damping"?  Be specific on the amount, and how that is
> measured.  

Will, Go to bed and think about it, before asking, yet another stupid
question!
Respectfully,
Joe
>
> Will Truitt
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joseph Garrett [mailto:joegarrett at earthlink.net] 
> Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 10:07 PM
> To: Encore Pianos; pianotech at ptg.org
> Subject: RE: [pianotech] Replacing dampers on a 1908 Steinway Upright
>
> 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
> >
> >
>
>