Pianotech

  • 1.  Steinway B - Damper Noise

    Posted 03-21-2017 18:24
      |   view attached
    Several dampers on this Steinway B make this peculiar noise. I can't identify the cause. 

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    peace -
    Giovanni Voltaggio
    A440 Piano Service
    Austin, TX
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  • 2.  RE: Steinway B - Damper Noise

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-21-2017 18:52
    Sounds like loose damper flange screws. Either that, or the head is loose in the wire.

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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  • 3.  RE: Steinway B - Damper Noise

    Posted 03-21-2017 19:17
    I'm with Wim on it being the flange not being tightly secured to the rail. Alternatively, loose lead in the arm.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
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  • 4.  RE: Steinway B - Damper Noise

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-21-2017 21:03
    It's easy to test whether the lead is loose, since it is so conveniently inserted right at the front.

    Put a little bit of CA glue on a small screwdriver, and butter the seam at the edge of the lead weight, so the CA wicks in.

    You'll have your "yes or no" answer in seconds.

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    Susan Kline
    Philomath, Oregon
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  • 5.  RE: Steinway B - Damper Noise

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-22-2017 08:56
    Nice video, but would have been even more dramatic (and illuminating) if you could have continued recording as you trouble-shot the problem
    - test underlever left and right. tighten flange screw
    - test sostenuto tab for noise
    - test for loose lead (stabilize underlever and press front lead left and right to discern any movement).  Could also use appropriate plier to squeeze.
    - test for loose damper head (less likely)
    - damper wire screw seems unlikely, as there's no indication of slippage - wire not loose in top-flange.

    Damper seems to be impacting lift felt on tray upon return.  Did you set that up for video purpose?  or is that what the dampers sound like?  You could also test for noise with a gentler 'up' tap, to see if it's as obvious, though I suppose source could be the same.


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    David Skolnik
    Hastings-on-Hudson NY
    914-231-7565
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  • 6.  RE: Steinway B - Damper Noise

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-22-2017 09:00
    If I were at this clients house, I'd tighten the underlever flange screws and test for loose leads. If the lead is loose you'll be able to click it back and forth between your fingers.
    If you don't have pliers to suage, you can use your rep spring tool inside of your key easing pliers. Only takes a few minutes to fix.
    Another option is if the centerpins are walking out. There are more possibilities but those are the main culprits.

    Good luck!
    Elizabeth




  • 7.  RE: Steinway B - Damper Noise

    Member
    Posted 03-21-2017 22:20
    You said several ... where are the others ? are they close to this one ? what happens with the damper sound when the tray is lifted with the pedal ? or the sostenuto is released ... is the sound real loud because several dampers have the problem.
    maybe there is dried or excess glue under the tray felt or the loose key lead in the keys as stated or even loose damper flange leads. You could swap a noisy one with a quiet one to see if it is still noisy ...first tighten the wires as suggested and test. what about worn bushing in the damper wire rail

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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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  • 8.  RE: Steinway B - Damper Noise

    Posted 03-23-2017 17:05
    Thanks to everyone for your replies, very much appreciated. It's most likely the damper leads. I don't have the $197 lead pliers (looks like only S & S sells them), though as someone here said I could use my fingers to settle the leads in place. I deferred on the job and will let the Steinway technician fix the problem. Who knows, it might be covered under warranty since the piano is new.

    If it's not the leads or the rail screws, I'll post what the cause was when I find out for sure. Again, thanks. 



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    peace -
    Giovanni Voltaggio
    A440 Piano Service
    Austin, TX
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  • 9.  RE: Steinway B - Damper Noise

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-24-2017 15:15
    You really can try a dab of CA glue, which gets noisy underlever leads quieted in seconds, and costs roughly nothing. Also very easy. Just put a dab on a small screwdriver and butter the edge of the lead. The glue will wick in and the lead will stop shifting. No need to postpone or refer to an "expert." Put a towel under the area if you're afraid of CA glue dropping off the screwdriver.

    I did this repair about a month ago, took a photo, and sent it to "Tips, Tools, and Techniques." It was extremely simple and satisfying. A previous tuner had failed to fix the noise.

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    Susan Kline
    Philomath, Oregon
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