Pianotech

Greetings all, I have two Steinways, an A and a B, as well as a Baldwin SD 10 concert grand. What are your thoughts about a retrofit with a new WN&G action like thoughs in the Masin and Hamlin? I gotta say, I like thoughs actions. I welcome everyone's thoughts. Thank you!
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Edward Mastin
Syracuse NY
315-422-1291
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Edward,

I can offer this much, a brief video of a WN&G event that took place here in Oklahoma via the Oklahoma Chapter of the Piano Technicians Guild and the Wessel, Nickel and Gross representative, Jamie Marks.

Here is the link:
http://okptg.org/specialevents/wng/hp.html

Keith McGavern, RPT
Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA
tune-repair@allegiance.tv

Original Message:
Sent: 09-05-2012 17:31
From: Edward Mastin
...  What are your thoughts about a retrofit with a new WN&G action like thoughs in the Masin and Hamlin? I gotta say, I like thoughs actions. I welcome everyone's thoughts. Thank you! ...

Edward,

I've used the WN&G Action parts including a completely redesigned action from the key frame up, and recommend them highly.  Beautiful executions, and I can't fathom a situation where they wouldn't work as well as a "traditional" wooden action.  There are some idiosyncrasies in working with these parts, and some specific tools are needed (like most everything we do) but once you've done it and invested in the tools, it's a beautiful thing to behold.

The argument of whether or not it's "appropriate" in any given instrument depends upon how you define your goals.  If the client would only be happy with S&S parts, that obviously not the time to try it.  If your concern is musicality and functionality, WNG is beautiful.

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William R. Monroe
Madison, WI
www.a440piano.net
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-05-2012 17:31
From: Edward Mastin
Subject: WN&G actions


Greetings all, I have two Steinways, an A and a B, as well as a Baldwin SD 10 concert grand. What are your thoughts about a retrofit with a new WN&G action like thoughs in the Masin and Hamlin? I gotta say, I like thoughs actions. I welcome everyone's thoughts. Thank you!
-------------------------------------------
Edward Mastin
Syracuse NY
315-422-1291
-------------------------------------------

Edward,

William has some very good points. I've worked several actions this way and have been thrilled with the results, and the customers love them. Recently a Chickering with new keyframe, keys, stack, etc. and before that a Baldwin SF-10. The friction and lever weights are incredible consistent and the support is beyond stellar. 

Besides having great info at Wessell, Nickel and Gross Technician Site they are also great to talk with. Give Nina, Bruce or Mark and they can give you tons of details.

Best regards,

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Allan Gilreath, RPT
Registered Piano Technician & President
Allan Gilreath & Associates, Inc
Calhoun, GA
706-602-7667
allan@allangilreath.com - www.allangilreath.com


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Original Message:
Sent: 09-05-2012 21:24
From: William Monroe
Subject: WN&G actions

Edward,

I've used the WN&G Action parts including a completely redesigned action from the key frame up, and recommend them highly.  Beautiful executions, and I can't fathom a situation where they wouldn't work as well as a "traditional" wooden action.  There are some idiosyncrasies in working with these parts, and some specific tools are needed (like most everything we do) but once you've done it and invested in the tools, it's a beautiful thing to behold.

The argument of whether or not it's "appropriate" in any given instrument depends upon how you define your goals.  If the client would only be happy with S&S parts, that obviously not the time to try it.  If your concern is musicality and functionality, WNG is beautiful.

-------------------------------------------
William R. Monroe
Madison, WI
www.a440piano.net
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 09-05-2012 17:31
From: Edward Mastin
Subject: WN&G actions


Greetings all, I have two Steinways, an A and a B, as well as a Baldwin SD 10 concert grand. What are your thoughts about a retrofit with a new WN&G action like thoughs in the Masin and Hamlin? I gotta say, I like thoughs actions. I welcome everyone's thoughts. Thank you!
-------------------------------------------
Edward Mastin
Syracuse NY
315-422-1291
-------------------------------------------

Edward, 

The WNG parts can be used on old action stack frames, or on completely new frames custom made by WNG.

I've installed complete WNG actions (new frame, wips, shanks) in an Aeolian era Mason & Hamlin, and a Kranich & Bach.  Both went together well, and both results were very good.  Maybe excellent.  

The big advantage of the complete WNG action is getting a new stack frame with new rails, custom drilled to fit nearly any piano.  If the old action is just wrong, or of an archaic design, starting fresh is easy, and the results are predictable.  WNG is really doing our industry a great service by providing such a well-done custom fitting system.  

For Steinways, if the old action frame dowels are stripped or the rails are wrong (split, rotated, too far apart, etc), just buy a new frame from Steinway.   Use "new" NY design parts (either genuine Steinway, wood clones, or WNG clones) on new rails and you get great results.  I don't think there would be much of an advantage to using a new WNG action frame in a Steinway, when you can get OEM parts so easily.  

If the Baldwin has action frame problems, I'd go with WNG's frame in a minute.  The package deal is well priced.

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Greg Graham, RPT
Brodheadsville, PA
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Original Message:   ... What are your thoughts about a retrofit with a new WN&G action....Edward Mastin