Pianotech

  • 1.  String Spacing Assist

    Posted 09-28-2017 15:40
    Example of poor string spacing ------
    I am seeking suggestions on how to mechanically achieve consistent string spacing for this Kimball Upright. In spite of my best efforts, the original string spacing wants to return to its bad habits.

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    Garret Traylor
    Trinity NC
    336-887-4266
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  • 2.  RE: String Spacing Assist

    Posted 09-28-2017 18:28
    Restring with LoTorq pins, #01 on the top, #02.5 on the bottom?
    I mean, not really worth it, but the problem is the pins are too close together.​​

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    Ed Sutton
    ed440@me.com
    (980) 254-7413
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: String Spacing Assist

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-28-2017 18:56
    Garrett

    the problem is the spacing of the strings underneath or above the pressure bar.  You need to get that portion of the string moved over for the rest of it to move.

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: String Spacing Assist

    Posted 09-28-2017 19:18
    Hi Wim 
    The construction (spacing of the pins) of the piano is wrong. Every model has had the same issue. As Ed Sutton pointed out. I appreciate and understand the approach you offer. 
    (Please refrain from spelling my name incorrectly). 
    Kindest Regards

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    Garret Traylor
    Trinity NC
    336-887-4266
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: String Spacing Assist

    Posted 09-28-2017 19:05
    Hard to tell from the photo, but it almost looks like there is not enough angle of deviation.



    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: String Spacing Assist

    Posted 09-28-2017 19:28
    A lot of low cost manufactured pianos in the past indeed do suffer from the same engineering design flaw.  

    I may have a solution that I will try tomorrow using wedged slices of heavy cardboard front rail punching inserted left and right of the center string and just below the pressure bar and above the bearing. Fingers crossed

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    Garret Traylor
    Trinity NC
    336-887-4266
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: String Spacing Assist

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-28-2017 20:29
    Hi Garret,

    Probably not the best analogy but here goes:

    After I had my final checkup post surgery for a meniscus operation in 2000, I watched as the specialist was looking at another patient's foot. The toes were all over the place, some on top of the others and some slightly bent out of shape.

    The specialist carefully looked at the toes, then looked up and asked his patient: "What can I do for you today?".

    The patient replied: "Look at my toes again. Do they look normal to you?"

    The specialist relied: "No they don't. Are you in any pain or discomfort?" The patient replied "No".

    The specialist added: "Are you able to get around without any difficulty?" The patient replied "yes, I have no problem walking".

    The specialist asked the patient again: "So, What can I do for you today?". The specialist reminded the patient that anytime an operation is performed, there are consequences.

    Garret,

    Are the hammers already showing grooves that are misaligned? If so, when you correct the string alignments, are you going to reshape the hammers?

    Does the half round bearing show deep cuts from the strings? If so, the strings may wander right back into the same cuts.

    When you come back to the piano a couple of years from now, are you certain that the wires will stay put in their new positions?

    If the piano is very stable and sounds OK, this seems like a lot of work for you to correct a problem that is only visual in appearance.

    Paul.

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    Paul Brown, RPT
    President
    Piano Technicians Guild
    Vancouver, BC Canada
    Email: pres@ptg.org
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: String Spacing Assist

    Posted 09-28-2017 21:52
    I like your analogy. I used to be married to a Navy doctor; this instrument has an interesting history. I bought it from a DRMO sale on Kadena Air Force Base in 1997. It came out of the High School. It was a real mess. I had stripped the finish, restrung it but got involved in other projects ... and time has passed fast and the project was set aside.

    I did not put new dampers or hammers, just rebushed keys with new front and balance rail pins and felt. So, the current underlying issue that has my attention now is clean damping. When I get the spacing correct then I can carry on with other areas if I want to. It's my longitudinal project.

    So Doc, my frustration is that every time I play these notes the sound keeps ringing. If I achieve better spacing and alignment over the piano it will also sound better. Which is a good thing.

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    Garret Traylor
    Trinity NC
    336-887-4266
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: String Spacing Assist

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-28-2017 20:25
    I had good luck recently using a piece of piano wire, the thickness of which becomes the spacing. Make a U in a piece of wire and thread it behind the three wires on top of the bearing bar. Cut off the ends which are sticking out. I suppose you could thread it the other way with the ends pointing in. As far as spacing the three string unisons from each other, anything you could wedge in that area above the bearing bar could work, though I haven't tried it. The friction of the wire on the bearing bar is often not enough to keep the wires where you want/need them to be. Some manufacturers drill the pins very precisely so the strings don't wander (Yamaha).
    Paul McCloud
    San Diego



    Garret Traylor
    Example of poor string spacing ------
    I am seeking suggestions on how to mechanically achieve consistent string spacing for this Kimball Upright. In spite of my best efforts, the original string spacing wants to return to its bad habits.

    ------------------------------
    Garret Traylor
    Trinity NC
    336-887-4266



    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: String Spacing Assist

    Posted 09-28-2017 21:12
    Hi Paul
    I like your idea. I have entertained the concept. I was thinking to myself "What would Scott Jones do?" :-)
    I'm not sure in this case I have room for spacers above the pressure bar but I will certainly reconsider it tomorrow.

    If I can get precise measurements I may try to design a pattern insert on the 3d printer. 

    Thank you for your input.

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    Garret Traylor
    Trinity NC
    336-887-4266
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    Original Message