Pianotech

  • 1.  Adjustable Grand Action Model

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-22-2017 11:14
    For you action geometry gearheads out there, take a gander at this:  http://jmeworksllc.com/adjustable-grand-action-model.html.

    It looks very robust, and a whole lot less awkward than trying to model on the keyframe and stack.  My chapter bought one a little while ago.  WNG was going to offer them, but they are now sold directly by Jamie Marks, who created it.  

    Will Truitt



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    William Truitt
    Bridgewater NH
    603-744-2277
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  • 2.  RE: Adjustable Grand Action Model

    Posted 04-22-2017 11:54
      |   view attached

    Someone else use to make these models  years ago, but i can't think of their name at the moment. There may be a youtube video.
    I would suggest that making it out of plywood might not be the best choice for a precision tool. Maybe a high grade plastic to ovoid humidity fluctuations.

    I made a dial mic (pictured) to have around. Made it out of plywood, and I am amazed how much the plywood moves around. About .006 back and forth






  • 3.  RE: Adjustable Grand Action Model

    Posted 04-22-2017 11:57
    It's lacking a vital adjustment component to alter Key Ratio: a moveable capstan. The balance rail doesn't seem to alter position relative to the front rail or capstan, unless there is a slot in stead of a b/r hole but the key button doesn't suggest this.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
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  • 4.  RE: Adjustable Grand Action Model

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-22-2017 13:15
    Hi Jon:

    In the picture that comes up when you click on my link, you see only a located capstan.  However, if you follow this link,  http://www.jmeworksllc.com/adjustable-grand-action-model.html
    and scroll down the page, you will see exactly what you are looking for.  Elsewhere, it is indicated that the jig has been upgraded to include the moveable capstan.  And yes, that would be a big oversight, since the capstan is one of those things we are most likely to move.   

    On that same page is a visual of the the balance rail, which allows its postion to be moved fore and aft, meeting your other concern.  

    Chris, Jamie Marks retired from WNG recently.  I believe the idea originated between him and Bruce Clark for their action designs.  I worked with Jude Reveley about a year and half ago on a Steinway D, and Jude had a model.  His was not quite as sturdy, but functioned well.  

    For the amount of time we would spend modeling a project, I don't think wood movement would be much of a practical concern.  However, when I make my own action spread guages, I make them out of flat brass stock, with center pins epoxied into holes at the exact distance required.  I do so for the reasons you suggest. 

    It also comes with the AGRAM gauge, which could be quite useful.   

    Will

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    William Truitt
    Bridgewater NH
    603-744-2277
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  • 5.  RE: Adjustable Grand Action Model

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-23-2017 08:47
    If you go to my website I have a picture of an adjustable action model that I made about five years ago.  I fashioned it from a picture of a model from Bruce Clark.  The key is totally adjustable, but it is too flexible for dynamic playing.  I Usually use a key from the action I'm working on.  The action model can accommodate any type of action.
    Bill

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    William McKaig
    Tampa FL
    813-831-4179
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  • 6.  RE: Adjustable Grand Action Model

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-24-2017 23:52
    I bought one after seeing it at last year's PTG Convention. It has become one of the most useful action development tools I have. Working out action geometry on paper is great but being able to model it in real time is even better.

    ddf

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    Delwin D Fandrich
    Piano Design & Manufacturing Consultant
    6939 Foothill Court SW, Olympia, Washington 98512 USA
    Email  ddfandrich@gmail.com
    Tel  360 515 0119  --  Cell  360 388 6525