Pianotech

Hello All,

What are the benefits of bench regulation, vs. the benefits of in-piano regulation?

I've received training in both. As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm rebuilding a Steinway B, and decided to do both a bench regulation and in-piano regulation (since the parts are new and had to be regulated twice anyway). Before I tell you which I like better, I'd like to hear from the community here what your thoughts are as to the benefits of the type of regulation you like best.

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Benjamin

with new parts it's easier to do a rough regulation on the bench.  Since you have the piano at your side, level the keys in the piano without the stack.  Then once that's done, adjusting rep stings, back checks, setting blow and drop on the bench will be easy.  After the roughing in, do the fine stuff in the piano.

------------------------------
Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
Mililani, HI 96789
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-15-2018 23:15
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: To Bench or Not to Bench, That is the Question

Hello All,

What are the benefits of bench regulation, vs. the benefits of in-piano regulation?

I've received training in both. As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm rebuilding a Steinway B, and decided to do both a bench regulation and in-piano regulation (since the parts are new and had to be regulated twice anyway). Before I tell you which I like better, I'd like to hear from the community here what your thoughts are as to the benefits of the type of regulation you like best.

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Since my shop tools and tea kettle are close at hand I like to bench regulate whenever possible. 

I set the key height and the section end hammer's let off as well as possible in the piano and use that as a guide in the shop.

Then in the piano I recheck all adjustments.

That said it is usually simpler (but harder on the back) to regulate in the piano.  Safer too.

------------------------------
Blaine Hebert
Duarte CA
626-795-5170
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-15-2018 23:15
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: To Bench or Not to Bench, That is the Question

Hello All,

What are the benefits of bench regulation, vs. the benefits of in-piano regulation?

I've received training in both. As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm rebuilding a Steinway B, and decided to do both a bench regulation and in-piano regulation (since the parts are new and had to be regulated twice anyway). Before I tell you which I like better, I'd like to hear from the community here what your thoughts are as to the benefits of the type of regulation you like best.

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Surprisingly, I actually like in-piano regulaton better. With the following exceptions:

Setting drop is a pain in the piano. I set let off, then pulled the action to set the drop on the bench (or in this case, the top of the piano. Don't ask).

Leveling Keys is easier on the bench for sure. 

Any ideas to to help with the areas? Any suggestions are appreciated!

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-16-2018 03:30
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: To Bench or Not to Bench, That is the Question

Since my shop tools and tea kettle are close at hand I like to bench regulate whenever possible.

I set the key height and the section end hammer's let off as well as possible in the piano and use that as a guide in the shop.

Then in the piano I recheck all adjustments.

That said it is usually simpler (but harder on the back) to regulate in the piano.  Safer too.

------------------------------
Blaine Hebert
Duarte CA
626-795-5170

Original Message:
Sent: 03-15-2018 23:15
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: To Bench or Not to Bench, That is the Question

Hello All,

What are the benefits of bench regulation, vs. the benefits of in-piano regulation?

I've received training in both. As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm rebuilding a Steinway B, and decided to do both a bench regulation and in-piano regulation (since the parts are new and had to be regulated twice anyway). Before I tell you which I like better, I'd like to hear from the community here what your thoughts are as to the benefits of the type of regulation you like best.

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

I would go farther and say that setting drop in the piano is not a pain but rather is impossible (as well as setting backchecks). However much you decide to do on the bench, I have found that recreating the same keydip as in the piano has helped me the most. A handy tool for this is LaRoy Edwards' action caddy which has glides to elevate the balance rail.

Bob Anderson
Tucson, AZ


Original Message------

Surprisingly, I actually like in-piano regulaton better. With the following exceptions:

Setting drop is a pain in the piano. I set let off, then pulled the action to set the drop on the bench (or in this case, the top of the piano. Don't ask).

Leveling Keys is easier on the bench for sure. 

Any ideas to to help with the areas? Any suggestions are appreciated!

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Bench regulation I find best for pianos that are waaaay out of whack. A touch up regulation that can be quickly accomplished can be best in the piano. 

Most of the the pianos I get are severely neglected, so I do most on the bench. I find the best results from keyframe/action combinations that are stiffer (Korean/Asian). Often they need little to no correction in the piano. More flexible keyframes (Steinway) can turn out very different in the piano vs. bench. The technicians that react strongly negative to bench regulation are used to Steinways. 

At the Institute in Bellevue a few years ago, there was an all day piano service class done by the Hamburg trained tech in charge of the London Steinway concert fleet. For much of the work he placed the action on a blanket on the lid of the piano, and eyeballed the adjustments against the key slip or fallboard edges. It was on and near the piano, but it was still a "bench" regulation to me. An expensive bench, but essentially a convenient flat surface work on.

------------------------------
David Stocker, RPT
PNWRVP
Olympia WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-15-2018 23:15
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: To Bench or Not to Bench, That is the Question

Hello All,

What are the benefits of bench regulation, vs. the benefits of in-piano regulation?

I've received training in both. As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm rebuilding a Steinway B, and decided to do both a bench regulation and in-piano regulation (since the parts are new and had to be regulated twice anyway). Before I tell you which I like better, I'd like to hear from the community here what your thoughts are as to the benefits of the type of regulation you like best.

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

David,

Yes, that's what I had pieced together. I suppose I should clarify my previous post. FOR THIS REGULATION, I liked in-piano regulation better. I have nothing against bench regulation, and plan on retrying it in the future. It's just didn't work so well this time, but I'm game to try it again.

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-17-2018 10:52
From: David Stocker
Subject: To Bench or Not to Bench, That is the Question

Bench regulation I find best for pianos that are waaaay out of whack. A touch up regulation that can be quickly accomplished can be best in the piano.

Most of the the pianos I get are severely neglected, so I do most on the bench. I find the best results from keyframe/action combinations that are stiffer (Korean/Asian). Often they need little to no correction in the piano. More flexible keyframes (Steinway) can turn out very different in the piano vs. bench. The technicians that react strongly negative to bench regulation are used to Steinways.

At the Institute in Bellevue a few years ago, there was an all day piano service class done by the Hamburg trained tech in charge of the London Steinway concert fleet. For much of the work he placed the action on a blanket on the lid of the piano, and eyeballed the adjustments against the key slip or fallboard edges. It was on and near the piano, but it was still a "bench" regulation to me. An expensive bench, but essentially a convenient flat surface work on.

------------------------------
David Stocker, RPT
PNWRVP
Olympia WA

Original Message:
Sent: 03-15-2018 23:15
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: To Bench or Not to Bench, That is the Question

Hello All,

What are the benefits of bench regulation, vs. the benefits of in-piano regulation?

I've received training in both. As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm rebuilding a Steinway B, and decided to do both a bench regulation and in-piano regulation (since the parts are new and had to be regulated twice anyway). Before I tell you which I like better, I'd like to hear from the community here what your thoughts are as to the benefits of the type of regulation you like best.

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

‎Hi, Benjamin, David,

There's more to this question than meets the eye.   

The Hamburg action-on-the-lid/fly thing is something they've been using for decades for field work.   In their own shops, and in the factory, there are also benches for the portions of the regulation when that makes sense. 

I'm presently traveling (sadly, on the road, not hammers)...will write more hopefully next week.

Kind regards.

Horace

  Original Message


Original Message------

David,

Yes, that's what I had pieced together. I suppose I should clarify my previous post. FOR THIS REGULATION, I liked in-piano regulation better. I have nothing against bench regulation, and plan on retrying it in the future. It's just didn't work so well this time, but I'm game to try it again.

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Benjamin,

Have you analyzed what happened and arrived at any conclusions about why bench regulation did not work for you in this instance?

Alan

------------------------------
Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-17-2018 11:38
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: To Bench or Not to Bench, That is the Question

David,

Yes, that's what I had pieced together. I suppose I should clarify my previous post. FOR THIS REGULATION, I liked in-piano regulation better. I have nothing against bench regulation, and plan on retrying it in the future. It's just didn't work so well this time, but I'm game to try it again.

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net

Original Message:
Sent: 03-17-2018 10:52
From: David Stocker
Subject: To Bench or Not to Bench, That is the Question

Bench regulation I find best for pianos that are waaaay out of whack. A touch up regulation that can be quickly accomplished can be best in the piano.

Most of the the pianos I get are severely neglected, so I do most on the bench. I find the best results from keyframe/action combinations that are stiffer (Korean/Asian). Often they need little to no correction in the piano. More flexible keyframes (Steinway) can turn out very different in the piano vs. bench. The technicians that react strongly negative to bench regulation are used to Steinways.

At the Institute in Bellevue a few years ago, there was an all day piano service class done by the Hamburg trained tech in charge of the London Steinway concert fleet. For much of the work he placed the action on a blanket on the lid of the piano, and eyeballed the adjustments against the key slip or fallboard edges. It was on and near the piano, but it was still a "bench" regulation to me. An expensive bench, but essentially a convenient flat surface work on.

------------------------------
David Stocker, RPT
PNWRVP
Olympia WA

Original Message:
Sent: 03-15-2018 23:15
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: To Bench or Not to Bench, That is the Question

Hello All,

What are the benefits of bench regulation, vs. the benefits of in-piano regulation?

I've received training in both. As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm rebuilding a Steinway B, and decided to do both a bench regulation and in-piano regulation (since the parts are new and had to be regulated twice anyway). Before I tell you which I like better, I'd like to hear from the community here what your thoughts are as to the benefits of the type of regulation you like best.

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Hi Alan,

From what I can tell:

1. The glides were taken out for cleaning (cat pee piano, you don't want to know....). I forgot to take measurements before, and ended up bedding the key frame to the bench. Oops.... learning experience, won't repeat that mistake again....

2. Didn't realize that the key dip changed with the key leads. Very even, but about one mm off. Compensated on the second time around, and it turned out fine.

Any other issues I can confidently attribute to new parts. Like I said, I'm not opposed to bench regulation; next time I'll definitely do some things differently, though.

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-17-2018 15:25
From: Alan Eder
Subject: To Bench or Not to Bench, That is the Question

Benjamin,

Have you analyzed what happened and arrived at any conclusions about why bench regulation did not work for you in this instance?

Alan

------------------------------
Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483

Original Message:
Sent: 03-17-2018 11:38
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: To Bench or Not to Bench, That is the Question

David,

Yes, that's what I had pieced together. I suppose I should clarify my previous post. FOR THIS REGULATION, I liked in-piano regulation better. I have nothing against bench regulation, and plan on retrying it in the future. It's just didn't work so well this time, but I'm game to try it again.

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net

Original Message:
Sent: 03-17-2018 10:52
From: David Stocker
Subject: To Bench or Not to Bench, That is the Question

Bench regulation I find best for pianos that are waaaay out of whack. A touch up regulation that can be quickly accomplished can be best in the piano.

Most of the the pianos I get are severely neglected, so I do most on the bench. I find the best results from keyframe/action combinations that are stiffer (Korean/Asian). Often they need little to no correction in the piano. More flexible keyframes (Steinway) can turn out very different in the piano vs. bench. The technicians that react strongly negative to bench regulation are used to Steinways.

At the Institute in Bellevue a few years ago, there was an all day piano service class done by the Hamburg trained tech in charge of the London Steinway concert fleet. For much of the work he placed the action on a blanket on the lid of the piano, and eyeballed the adjustments against the key slip or fallboard edges. It was on and near the piano, but it was still a "bench" regulation to me. An expensive bench, but essentially a convenient flat surface work on.

------------------------------
David Stocker, RPT
PNWRVP
Olympia WA

Original Message:
Sent: 03-15-2018 23:15
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: To Bench or Not to Bench, That is the Question

Hello All,

What are the benefits of bench regulation, vs. the benefits of in-piano regulation?

I've received training in both. As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm rebuilding a Steinway B, and decided to do both a bench regulation and in-piano regulation (since the parts are new and had to be regulated twice anyway). Before I tell you which I like better, I'd like to hear from the community here what your thoughts are as to the benefits of the type of regulation you like best.

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------