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Upright Damper Felt Source

  • 1.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 05:33 
    From Jon Page <jonpage@comcast.net>

Is there a source for purchasing upright damper felt (single, bichord, 
trichord)
in longer executions than the standard, less effective 1 3/4" lengths?

Last year I made a set according to Spurlock's instructions with favorable 
results.
I have been encountering too many vertical repairs, more than I care to 
with more
coming looming on the horizon, and don't wish to be manufacturing these.

A Sauter upright in my shop has a beautiful set of long dampers, most 
effective. I will
write to them to see if multiple sets are available from them.

Regards,

Jon Page, piano technician
Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass.
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


  • 2.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 08:42 
    From J Patrick Draine <draine@comcast.net>

Jon,
I think Urlich Sauter is giving a class at the NEECSO conference in 
Quebec this weekend. I had been planning on attending put at the last 
minute opted to stay home. Perhaps someone on the list who's attending 
would be so kind as to ask him about such parts availability?
Patrick
On Apr 29, 2004, at 7:32 AM, Jon Page wrote:

> Is there a source for purchasing upright damper felt (single, bichord, 
> trichord)
> in longer executions than the standard, less effective 1 3/4" lengths?
>
> Last year I made a set according to Spurlock's instructions with 
> favorable results.
> I have been encountering too many vertical repairs, more than I care 
> to with more
> coming looming on the horizon, and don't wish to be manufacturing 
> these.
>
> A Sauter upright in my shop has a beautiful set of long dampers, most 
> effective. I will
> write to them to see if multiple sets are available from them.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jon Page, piano technician
> Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass.
> mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
> _______________________________________________
> pianotech list info: http://www.ptg.org/mailman/listinfo/pianotech
>


  • 3.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 08:48 
    From Erwinspiano@aol.com

John
  If you find a source I am interested. Especially in pre-made longer bass 
dampers.
  Thanks
  Dale
Is there a source for purchasing upright damper felt (single, bichord, 
trichord)
in longer executions than the standard, less effective 1 3/4" lengths?

Last year I made a set according to Spurlock's instructions with favorable 
results.
I have been encountering too many vertical repairs, more than I care to 
with more
coming looming on the horizon, and don't wish to be manufacturing these.

A Sauter upright in my shop has a beautiful set of long dampers, most 
effective. I will
write to them to see if multiple sets are available from them.

Regards,

Jon Page, piano technician
Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass.
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


  • 4.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 13:14 
    From John Ross <jrpiano@win.eastlink.ca>

I recently purchased a Yamaha set,  that is for a U3 model. I intend to put them on a nice older Heintzman.
I don't believe that it is possible in the US.
I think that their rule of only selling replacements for a legitimate # Yamaha, is stupid. What is to prevent someone giving them, a legitimate #, and using it on something else. (Hint :-) )
I attended a Bill Spurlock class, at a Convention, and he gave instruction, on making your own from scratch. It looks like the same class, is available in Nashville.
Regards,
,
John M. Ross
Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada
jrpiano@win.eastlink.ca
  
    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 5.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-29-2004 09:10 
    From "Jeannie Grassi" <jcgrassi@earthlink.net>

Jon,
I've gotten some really nice upright bass damper felt from Renner.
Sorry, I don't know the part number, but Lloyd will know what you want.

jeannie

Jeannie Grassi, RPT
Registered Piano Technician
Island Piano Service
mailto:jcgrassi@earthlink.net


    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 6.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 09:38
      |   view attached 
    From "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>

I think Jon is looking for ready-made dampers - felt already mounted on backs, etc. - something that is ready to install.

Look no further than Farrell's Belly and Damper Supply!

Original duplication, or custom made to your specifications.

Terry Farrell
mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com




    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

                
    
                    
    
                        
                        
                    
    
                
    
        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 7.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 11:49 
    From antares <antares@euronet.nl>

We always buy Yamaha damper strips. They have the ultimate quality. 
(available for all instruments)

friendly greetings
from
Andr? Oorebeek

Amsterdam -
The Netherlands

0031-20-6237357
0645-492389
0031-75-6226878
www.concertpianoservice.nl
www.grandpiano.nl

"where music is, no harm can be"



On 29-apr-04, at 13:32, Jon Page wrote:

> Is there a source for purchasing upright damper felt (single, bichord, 
> trichord)
> in longer executions than the standard, less effective 1 3/4" lengths?
>
> Last year I made a set according to Spurlock's instructions with 
> favorable results.
> I have been encountering too many vertical repairs, more than I care 
> to with more
> coming looming on the horizon, and don't wish to be manufacturing 
> these.
>
> A Sauter upright in my shop has a beautiful set of long dampers, most 
> effective. I will
> write to them to see if multiple sets are available from them.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jon Page, piano technician
> Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass.
> mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
> _______________________________________________
> pianotech list info: http://www.ptg.org/mailman/listinfo/pianotech
>
>


  • 8.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 12:00 
    From Bill Ballard <yardbird@vermontel.net>

At 7:48 PM +0200 4/29/04, antares wrote:
>We always buy Yamaha damper strips. They have the ultimate quality. 
>(available for all instruments)

With, of course a serial valid for your global marketing region. Back 
in Fall of '01 when Yamaha was shutting down availability of 
replacement parts for their pianos, I got a complete set for U3 and 
two for U1, from Schaff. I understood I was cleaning them out of 
remaining stocks.

Bill Ballard RPT
NH Chapter, P.T.G.

"Blessed are the cynical,
		for they hath made backups."
     ...........anon
+++++++++++++++++++++


  • 9.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 12:15 
    From "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>

Yesterday I ordered a few replacement bass strings for a Yamy C3. Schaff
wanted the serial number for the piano. Geesh!

Grey market Yamys are pianos too.

I used to be able to buy all sorts of parts for my grey-market Mercedes from
Mercedes. What's Yamys deal?

Terry Farrell


    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 10.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 12:18 
    From antares <antares@euronet.nl>

This is something I can not understand. My understanding would be that 
Yamaha sells their stuff everywhere in the World.
btw, by mentioning what I mentioned, I was not out for selling any 
stuff. The American market is not our market. Shipping is too expensive 
for one reason.
But hey! if you can't get it, I'll send it to you, no problem.

friendly greetings
from
Andr? Oorebeek

Amsterdam -
The Netherlands

0031-20-6237357
0645-492389
0031-75-6226878
www.concertpianoservice.nl
www.grandpiano.nl

"where music is, no harm can be"




On 29-apr-04, at 19:59, Bill Ballard wrote:

> At 7:48 PM +0200 4/29/04, antares wrote:
>> We always buy Yamaha damper strips. They have the ultimate quality. 
>> (available for all instruments)
>
> With, of course a serial valid for your global marketing region. Back 
> in Fall of '01 when Yamaha was shutting down availability of 
> replacement parts for their pianos, I got a complete set for U3 and 
> two for U1, from Schaff. I understood I was cleaning them out of 
> remaining stocks.
>
> Bill Ballard RPT
> NH Chapter, P.T.G.
>
> "Blessed are the cynical,
> 		for they hath made backups."
>     ...........anon
> +++++++++++++++++++++
> _______________________________________________
> pianotech list info: http://www.ptg.org/mailman/listinfo/pianotech
>
>


  • 11.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 12:08 
    From "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>

My understanding is that unless you have the serial number of the Yamy that
the felt is to be installed on, they will not sell to you. Is that correct?
Or maybe they only have these problems with Americans?

Terry Farrell


    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 12.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 13:16 
    From antares <antares@euronet.nl>

Again, I don't understand these things.
I call up Yamaha, I order what I need, and within a very reasonable 
time I get what I ordered.

Andr? Oorebeek


On 29-apr-04, at 20:07, Farrell wrote:

> My understanding is that unless you have the serial number of the Yamy 
> that
> the felt is to be installed on, they will not sell to you. Is that 
> correct?
> Or maybe they only have these problems with Americans?
>
> Terry Farrell
>
> 
    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 13.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 20:36 
    From Nichols <nicho@zianet.com>

Terry, (and other responders on this thread),
      Last year there was a short article about the so-called gray market 
parts policy in the Journal.
Long story short, just place your order, if you want Yamaha parts. I'm sure 
there's an appropriate serial number in your database. Yamaha USA is "at 
the mercy" of the corp. It's the largest music corp in the world, and the 
music division is only 5% of the company. Whining doesn't work with the IRS 
or the DMV or the Electric company. Why should it work with the folks in 
the parts department? Work the system, and pat yourselves on the back. It 
IS beatable.

Best Regards,
Guy Nichols


At 02:07 PM 4/29/2004 -0400, you wrote:
>My understanding is that unless you have the serial number of the Yamy that
>the felt is to be installed on, they will not sell to you. Is that correct?
>Or maybe they only have these problems with Americans?
>
>Terry Farrell
>
>---


  • 14.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 21:35 
    From Ron Nossaman <rnossaman@cox.net>

>Work the system, and pat yourselves on the back. It IS beatable.
>
>Best Regards,
>Guy Nichols


Beatable, yea, but wouldn't it be nice to be able to do it in a simple, 
honest, and straightforward manner without invoking the weasel?

Ron N


  • 15.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 22:21 
    From Nichols <nicho@zianet.com>

At 10:34 PM 4/29/2004 -0500, you wrote:

>>Work the system, and pat yourselves on the back. It IS beatable.
>>
>>Best Regards,
>>Guy Nichols
>
>
>Beatable, yea, but wouldn't it be nice to be able to do it in a simple, 
>honest, and straightforward manner without invoking the weasel?
>
>Ron N

Of course it would, oh tall fuzzy one. Less like running a yellow light, 
and more like stepping around a bug. The weasel in just off my peripheral 
vision. Researching that article was illuminating, to say the least. I have 
more of an issue with the use of the phrase "Gray Market",  than some 
ill-conceived corporate policy. "Gray" implies illegality.  Could happen. 
Go try to import a used Kabota.

woodworking corner:
"Don't use remaining fingers to feed stock."
G'night,
Guy





               "Not everything that counts can be counted,
                and not everything that can be counted counts."
                                                           Albert Einstein


  • 16.  OT Re: Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 23:01 
    From Ron Nossaman <rnossaman@cox.net>

>Of course it would, oh tall fuzzy one. Less like running a yellow light, 
>and more like stepping around a bug. The weasel in just off my peripheral 
>vision.

He's starting to look like one of the major food groups, considering what 
it takes to get something that ought to be simple done. Just an old grouch, 
I guess...


>  Researching that article was illuminating, to say the least. I have more 
> of an issue with the use of the phrase "Gray Market",  than some 
> ill-conceived corporate policy.

Semantics. Means nothing in itself, like "Education", or "Government" - 
neither of which is accurate.


>"Gray" implies illegality.  Could happen. Go try to import a used Kabota.

Is that like passing an elephant? What's a Kabota, and why do they become 
unimportable after use? This is starting to get interesting.


>woodworking corner:
>"Don't use remaining fingers to feed stock."
>G'night,
>Guy

If you're feeding them grain, you use a #2 scoop. Be there all day, otherwise.

Ron N


  • 17.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 14:29 
    From "Joseph Garrett" <joegarrett@earthlink.net>

Jon,
I've got good new and bad news. The good news is that Renner does list 55mm
and 67mm Bass dampers. The bad news is, that the Renner USA Catalogue
doesn't list them. So....you need to special order them from Lloyd. And that
is truly the bad new, because special orders like that usually take an
exorbitant amount of lag time. It all depends on when Lloyd needs to send in
an order. Oh, the numbers are: 488A (55mm) and 488C (67mm). Each has 3 pads
per. I hope that helps.
Best Regards,
Joe Garrett, RPT, (Oregon)
Captain, Tool Police
Squares Are I


  • 18.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 14:52 
    From "David Love" <davidlovepianos@earthlink.net>

I think a boycott of Yamaha and Yamaha products should be considered until Yamaha drops this ridiculous policy.   The only people they are hurting are the technicians who have to find alternative ways (or lie) in order to service Japanese Market Pianos.  The goal of trying to control market share (I presume that's the reason) is a failure.  I see more gray market pianos being sold than ever before.  

David Love
davidlovepianos@earthlink.net



    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 19.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-29-2004 15:40 
    From "david heidel" <dbheidel@comcast.net>

Before the big boycott, why don't you ask Yamaha why they have that policy.  Before going to the Little Red Schoolhouse, I felt the same way, but was then educated about the whole gray market issue, and my attitude changed greatly.  It's not that I am defending Yamaha, but now I do understand why they do things the way theyare done.  But I do agree with your points, as they are valid!
  
    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 20.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 15:38 
    From "Dean May" <deanmay@pianorebuilders.com>

>>I think a boycott of Yamaha and Yamaha products should be considered until Yamaha drops this ridiculous policy.   The only people they are hurting are the technicians who have to find alternative ways (or lie) in order to service Japanese Market Pianos.  The goal of trying to control market share (I presume that's the reason) is a failure.  I see more gray market pianos being sold than ever before.  
 
 
I suspect it is to give the appearance to their dealers that they are doing all they can to protect their dealers' exclusive markets, so they can continue to charge their outlandishly high prices.
Dean
 
Dean May             cell 812.239.3359
PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272
Terre Haute IN  47802


  • 21.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 17:38 
    From "Kerry Cooper" <brispiano@optushome.com.au>

There is a damper set that originates from Japan. Watanabe was sell them.
They have 15 each of clip and wedge dampers. I hope this helps. 

Kerry Cooper
Piano Technician
Accredited Member: APTTA, PTTGQ
brispiano@optushome.com.au
 

    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 22.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-29-2004 23:30 
    From gordon stelter <lclgcnp@yahoo.com>

Yamaha has generated a terrific amount of ill-will
over the years with marketing shenanigans and playing
"hard-ball" with everyone they possibly can. 
It amazes me that they do not realize that this HURTS
business, ultimately.
   ( And its really not enjoyable to be despised,
either! )
     Thump

--- david heidel <dbheidel@comcast.net> wrote:
> Before the big boycott, why don't you ask Yamaha why
> they have that policy.  Before going to the Little
> Red Schoolhouse, I felt the same way, but was then
> educated about the whole gray market issue, and my
> attitude changed greatly.  It's not that I am
> defending Yamaha, but now I do understand why they
> do things the way theyare done.  But I do agree with
> your points, as they are valid!
>   
    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 23.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-30-2004 03:01 
    From Richard Brekne <Richard.Brekne@grieg.uib.no>

Hey folks...

Really... arent we overstating the problem a bit here ?

While I personally like the quality of Yamaha parts... I certainly 
wouldnt think twice of useing alternatives in the face of the kinds of 
problems cited in this thread.  Yamaha is not the only manufacturer in 
the world to make fine action parts. You should be able to use other 
high quality parts to meet your needs

Yamaha does what they do for what ever reasons they do, as does evry 
other major buisness in the world. Boycotting per se will accomplish 
nothing, and in fact I would suppose that simply accepting their policy 
in this matter and just as simply getting ahold of alternative parts for 
whatever pianos are involved would be more then enough of a <<boycott>> 
anyways.  If the amount of market share involved was enough for Yamaha 
to worry about... they would adjust their policies accordingly.

Fix the darn things and be happy in life :)

Cheers
RicB


  • 24.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-30-2004 00:29 
    From "Jeannie Grassi" <jcgrassi@earthlink.net>

Joe,
When I've ordered them, I didn't have to wait any longer than other
parts.  Could be he had some in stock.  It's always worth a try.

jeannie

Jeannie Grassi, RPT
Registered Piano Technician
Island Piano Service
mailto:jcgrassi@earthlink.net


    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 25.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-30-2004 08:29 
    From "David Love" <davidlovepianos@earthlink.net>

While the call for a boycott may have been slightly hyperbolic, the point
was not.  While many action parts can be substituted, some can't without a
great deal of trouble.  What you suggest is, in fact, what we are doing;
using other's parts or making up a serial number for the piano.  So what is
accomplished other than aggravation for the technician?  Most gray market
buyers are not consulting with techs before purchasing, and, as I
mentioned, even licensed Yamaha dealers are selling gray market pianos. 
Doesn't sound like the program is working.  The only thing I see is that
Yamaha is missing the opportunity to make some money on the sale of their
parts and is alienating some technicians who might otherwise support them. 


David Love
davidlovepianos@earthlink.net


> [Original Message]
> From: Richard Brekne <Richard.Brekne@grieg.uib.no>
> To: Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Date: 4/30/2004 6:00:45 AM
> Subject: Re: Upright Damper Felt Source
>
> Hey folks...
>
> Really... arent we overstating the problem a bit here ?
>
> While I personally like the quality of Yamaha parts... I certainly 
> wouldnt think twice of useing alternatives in the face of the kinds of 
> problems cited in this thread.  Yamaha is not the only manufacturer in 
> the world to make fine action parts. You should be able to use other 
> high quality parts to meet your needs
>
> Yamaha does what they do for what ever reasons they do, as does evry 
> other major buisness in the world. Boycotting per se will accomplish 
> nothing, and in fact I would suppose that simply accepting their policy 
> in this matter and just as simply getting ahold of alternative parts for 
> whatever pianos are involved would be more then enough of a <<boycott>> 
> anyways.  If the amount of market share involved was enough for Yamaha 
> to worry about... they would adjust their policies accordingly.
>
> Fix the darn things and be happy in life :)
>
> Cheers
> RicB
> _______________________________________________
> pianotech list info: http://www.ptg.org/mailman/listinfo/pianotech


  • 26.  Upright Damper Felt Source

    Posted 04-30-2004 14:24 
    From Richard Brekne <Richard.Brekne@grieg.uib.no>

Hi David

Well, I certainly can understand the sentiment. I guess its just that I 
feel there is really nothing you can do about the situation. Yamaha, 
Steinway, and literally all the rest make their own policy and there is 
little we can do to influence that.  If they choose a path that truly 
costs them money or market share... then they make a correction... 
otherwise they assume all is well enough.

So I choose to look at the bright side. Grey pianos are open season 
items for piano techs and rebuilders.  Most often you are presented with 
instruments that you can make large improvements on if you can talk the 
customer into investing in needed repairs.  And action work is one of 
those areas where a guy like yourself who knows a good bit about how to 
make em fly can get nice and creative.. and to produce a beauty of your own.

So instead of getting upset about something you can't change... I 
suggest only to get jazzed about that which you can... if you get my 
meaning.

I mean... so what if you cant get Yamaha parts.....  Think through an 
alternative that is perhaps even better then the origional... why should 
these soundboard redesigner boys have all the fun... eh ?

Cheers
RicB


David Love wrote:

>While the call for a boycott may have been slightly hyperbolic, the point
>was not.  While many action parts can be substituted, some can't without a
>great deal of trouble.  What you suggest is, in fact, what we are doing;
>using other's parts or making up a serial number for the piano.  So what is
>accomplished other than aggravation for the technician?  Most gray market
>buyers are not consulting with techs before purchasing, and, as I
>mentioned, even licensed Yamaha dealers are selling gray market pianos. 
>Doesn't sound like the program is working.  The only thing I see is that
>Yamaha is missing the opportunity to make some money on the sale of their
>parts and is alienating some technicians who might otherwise support them. 
>
>
>David Love
>davidlovepianos@earthlink.net
>
>
>  
>