[pianotech] Replacing dampers on a 1908 Steinway Upright

[pianolover 88]

The general consensus I've gathered from various sources seems clear; "if you can make do
 with what's already there, i.e., the original dampers, DON'T try to 
replace them!!! You may make matters far worse, and dig yourself into an
 ever-deepening hole!"

Cheers,


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


> From: joegarrett at earthlink.net
> To: encorepianos at metrocast.net; pianotech at ptg.org
> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 23:21:35 -0800
> Subject: Re: [pianotech] Replacing dampers on a 1908 Steinway Upright
> 
> 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
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> 
 		 	   		  
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20120207/03feb919/attachment.htm>