I wonder if you could cut numerous shallow kerfs every inch or so, bend (unwarp) the rail until its straight, and glue a long thin strip of veneer to the rail to keep it straight. Often spring rails are mounted to the action brackets with thick cardboard punchings. If so, maybe some could be removed (I'm sure you've already checked this out) -- I realize this increases the spring strength on the butts. If it weren't so brittle I suppose you could try heating the rail to unbend it, like "burning" hammer shanks. There's also the technique of forcing a wedge into a slightly too small groove, or dado, but on a thin, brittle rail, this might be iffy, or may just cause it to break. As already suggested, making a new rail may be best.
--David Nereson
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David Nereson
Registered Piano Technician
Denver CO
303-355-5770
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-07-2017 20:26
From: Richard Capp
Subject: 1892 Steinway
I am trying to keep an 1892 Steinway upright running. The hammer butt spring rail is warped (and very brittle) and limits the travel of the the bass damper levers. The wire hits the spring rail and will not allow the damper felt, the bichords in particular, to completely clear the string. I may try trimming the felt, but there is still a problem with spoon adjustment because there is not enough travel. Does anyone have a straight rail from a similar vintage Steinway, serial number 74264. Or other repair/adjustment strategies? Thanks.
Richard Capp