[pianotech] Replacing dampers on a 1908 Steinway upright

[tnrwim at aol.com]

If you aren’t going to change them you might try a drop or two of CA at the stress points.

Doesn't work. I've tried.

Terry, you'll probably consider replacing the levers as soon as you start bending the wires to adjust the dampers side to side, or in and out. :)

Wim






 



-----Original Message-----
From: Dean May <deanmay at pianorebuilders.com>
To: pianotech <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Tue, Feb 7, 2012 4:24 am
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Replacing dampers on a 1908 Steinway upright



If you aren’t going to change them you might try a drop or two of CA at the stress points.
 

Dean
Dean W May                        (812) 235-5272 voice and text
PianoRebuilders.com           (888) DEAN-MAY         
Terre Haute IN 47802           Give us a LIKE on Facebook! Go to PianoRebuilders.com


From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Encore Pianos
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2012 5:55 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Replacing dampers on a 1908 Steinway upright

 
Hi Terry:  
 
Wim is absolutely right on this one.  He is saying this because he has come upon many a Steinway damper job where the old levers have broken at the pivot point or worn so much that they wander to the side, with singing strings the result.  Often many more than one doing this.  I have seen this many times, like Wim.  
 
When I replace the dampers on a Steinway upright, I use something like the Tokiwa kit and always replace the levers.  Most of the time, I am replacing hammers at the same time, so I have the old shanks removed from the butts, and the butts screwed to the rail.  Like in the factory, I have easy access to the wires to do all fore-aft and side to side bending to space the dampers to the strings and damper timing for pedal lift.  If you are using barrels instead of the old damper heads, there is only one bend to make and refine for damper spacing.  It takes a lot less time to do than you think (that’s why it is a factory method).  With the barrels spaced out at roughly the proper distance (end samples each section, then a straight edge check), you go through and quickly make your bend to center the barrel over the strings.  Then glue your damper heads with felts onto the barrels.  Then refine your spacing and adjust for lift.  
 
You will have the satisfaction of a good job that will be trouble free for a very long time.  I think you will find the damper bending easier than you think.  
 
Good luck, 
 
Will Truitt  
 
 
 
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of tnrwim at aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2012 3:20 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Replacing dampers on a 1908 Steinway upright
 
 

That's not going to happen. The less I have to do the better. And I don't relish having to bend a whole set of damper rods! No thanks. 


Terry "UniGeezer" Peterson



Terry

 

Take it from someone who has done this, on pianos this old, the wood is very brittle. The process of removing and putting the levers back on puts a lot of strain on that very thin strip of wood of the lever. But suit yourself. Maybe after you get a few calls backs, you'll change your mind.

 

Wim


 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: pianolover 88 <pianolover88 at hotmail.com>
To: pianotech <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Mon, Feb 6, 2012 6:42 pm
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Replacing dampers on a 1908 Steinway upright

That's not going to happen. The less I have to do the better. And I don't relish having to bend a whole set of damper rods! No thanks. 


Terry "UniGeezer" Peterson
"Over 50, and not '2' Tired!" 
www.unigeezer.com


From: tnrwim at aol.com
Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 18:17:51 -1000
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Replacing dampers on a 1908 Steinway upright

Terry

 

In addition to replacing the felts, I would highly recommend that you also replace the levers. My experience ha shown that they get weak where they are screwed to the flange, and you might as well replace them now, instead later.

 

Wim

Sent from my iPhone


On Feb 6, 2012, at 2:49 PM, pianolover 88 <pianolover88 at hotmail.com> wrote:


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.

Thanks,

Terry "UniGeezer" Peterson
"Over 50, and not '2' Tired!" 
www.unigeezer.com



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