Pianotech

  • 1.  Rocker Capstans

    Posted 06-23-2018 17:53
    I am working on a Steinway & Sons style 2 grand from the 1880's.  And it has rocker capstans.  I was looking for any tips on servicing and regulating with these capstans.

    Thank you,

    Robert

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    Robert Zoschke
    owner
    Beaumont TX
    409-833-1472
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  • 2.  RE: Rocker Capstans

    Posted 06-23-2018 18:08
    offset screwdriver pianoforte supply

    Order this from Jurgen at Pianoforte supply. It will keep you from losing your mind prematurely. First time I did a hammer line with rocker capstans was on a Bechstein. The hammer line took me 4.5 hours to set. Now, at warp speed, in an absolute whirlwind, I can do it in about 1.5 hrs.

    I'm assuming the adjustment screws on the front and back of the rocker are slotted screws.

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Rocker Capstans

    Posted 06-23-2018 19:16
    Yep in the early 1980's as an independent tech. in Bath UK before moving to Boston in 1986 I bought many Bechstein grands  at auction to fix and resell, Fletcher and Newman was the supply house for this tool...

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    Martin Snow
    Boston MA
    617-543-1030
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Rocker Capstans

    Posted 06-23-2018 19:23
    I recently finished a Bechstein with these. Never again. I'll change the slotted round-head screws with fasteners that have a hex head which can then be adjusted with an offset box end wrench. The Bechstein offset screw driver that Jurgen sells (Renner USA might have it too) is the only way to attempt to adjust these slotted screws. An offset ratcheting screw driver is a waste of time too. Archive the screws with the piano to maintain authenticity at some later date.

    Save time, lots of time x 2 and then some. Replace.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
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  • 5.  RE: Rocker Capstans

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-24-2018 10:26
    Apparently these went well into the 20th century on
    European built pianos.

    I rebuilt a 1923 Grotrian-Steinweg 220 about 12 years
    ago that had these in it. Maybe I did something wrong,
    because it only took me about twice what a modern
    capstan action does. I used a Stanley ratcheting offset
    screwdriver that I found at a hardware store at that time,
    I later bought the flattened steel model with the bent ends
    for my tool kit from Schaff or Pianotek, or maybe I saw it
    on the booth table at a convention a few years ago and
    grabbed it. If clearance is not a problem, the Stanley
    works better.

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    Dave Conte
    Owner
    North Richland Hills TX
    817-581-7321
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Rocker Capstans

    Posted 06-24-2018 11:02
    The time factor could be determined by how much the top surface of the keystick compresses under the rocker pivot.I think if the keystick is somewhat dense there, as opposed to mushy, the motion of the hammer, related the amounts the screws are turned might be more predictable. When I have done this, I did find a direction of adjustment that was predictable, after a while. However, the efficient direction of adjustment  differed from action to action. 

    That said, I'm glad I left the rocker there, because the positive connection between keystick had other excellent benefits, after you get past the Hammer line. The actions tend to be quieter...less slapping around on rebound. Also my hypothesis is that tying the keystick to whip, helps the key and whip phase better in repetition. I found this action to be one of the best repeating actions I have ever regulated.

    Maybe not all rocker capstans connect the key to whip like a Langer (Bechstein) action does. I'm curious if others who have dealt with these, that had Langer actions, had any opinions about the quality of the repetition.

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Rocker Capstans

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-24-2018 02:37
    FWIW the Steinway rocker "capstan" was replaced by Steinway in 1875, and the Style 2 began to be called the "C" on 1878.  All 1880s Steinways have pilot (screw style) capstans.

    And Jim is right.   We do not work as efficiently with a procedure we don't usually perform, but it's possible to get the hang of rocker assemblies and the results can be very stable.

    Bill 

    Sent from my iPhone



    Original Message