Pianotech

Is anybody here an expert or semi expert on these actions?  The keys are plastic and the wippens clip in to the action - if anybody has some experience with working on these - I may have some questions - Thanks
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Paul Dickinson
Neillsville WI
715-743-2495
-------------------------------------------

Yes, Paul. I've spent a lot of time with these (at the time) futuristic beasts. I even had one of their Grands through my hands once. The action is a really amazing concept using alloy bifurcated to hold that plastic ended bit of string used as a tape. The real trouble was their use of plastic before it had been fully researched for age-stress related problems. Sliding the plastic flanges along the channelled action rails is another problem (for lining up) due to the front foot of the 'R' profile flange breaking off. Then there's the key problem. They use a bit of tempered clock spring instead of weights to bias the key return. These break and so I had a tin full of replacement springs. Unfortunately the 'bung' into which these springs were fitted (under the keys) also tended to break up if you try to remove them. Then there's that nice touch of regulating the key dip with a plastic grub-screw from underneath. I had one of these little uprights (given to me to experiment with) and liked the tone so much that I had a replacement keyboard made. I took the action and key-frame up to F&N and they did a wonderful job. I also like the way the key-frame lowered like a 'ships' piano (first remove the metal pedal trap-work dowelling) The story is that when this factory in Shannon closed, they paid off their work-force in pianos...... Very Irish (begorrah!)   Michael (UK)

-------------------------------------------
Michael Gamble
semi retired
Brighton
01273813612
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2014 18:17
From: Paul Dickinson
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)


Is anybody here an expert or semi expert on these actions?  The keys are plastic and the wippens clip in to the action - if anybody has some experience with working on these - I may have some questions - Thanks
-------------------------------------------
Paul Dickinson
Neillsville WI
715-743-2495
-------------------------------------------

The last one I encountered with the hold-down keyboard; I gave the action away and the string back to someone a s a decoration. The thin plywood (⅜") knee panel I use to this day (20+ years) as a portable work surface. I place a moving pad on a closed grand lid, place the knee panel on top of that and it is a perfect surface for grand action adjustments in the field. 
-------------------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page

I just serviced a Thomas console with this same type of plastic keys and action.  Hopeless.  One of the few times I have had to walk away from a piano.  The damper springs were breaking their attachments and repairs were unrealistic and impractical.  The tone and back design appeared to be unusual, but sturdy and the tone was decent.  The keys were loose and had a plastic feel.

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






Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2014 05:14
From: Michael Gamble
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)

Yes, Paul. I've spent a lot of time with these (at the time) futuristic beasts. I even had one of their Grands through my hands once. The action is a really amazing concept using alloy bifurcated to hold that plastic ended bit of string used as a tape. The real trouble was their use of plastic before it had been fully researched for age-stress related problems. Sliding the plastic flanges along the channelled action rails is another problem (for lining up) due to the front foot of the 'R' profile flange breaking off. Then there's the key problem. They use a bit of tempered clock spring instead of weights to bias the key return. These break and so I had a tin full of replacement springs. Unfortunately the 'bung' into which these springs were fitted (under the keys) also tended to break up if you try to remove them. Then there's that nice touch of regulating the key dip with a plastic grub-screw from underneath. I had one of these little uprights (given to me to experiment with) and liked the tone so much that I had a replacement keyboard made. I took the action and key-frame up to F&N and they did a wonderful job. I also like the way the key-frame lowered like a 'ships' piano (first remove the metal pedal trap-work dowelling) The story is that when this factory in Shannon closed, they paid off their work-force in pianos...... Very Irish (begorrah!)   Michael (UK)

-------------------------------------------
Michael Gamble
semi retired
Brighton
01273813612
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2014 18:17
From: Paul Dickinson
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)


Is anybody here an expert or semi expert on these actions?  The keys are plastic and the wippens clip in to the action - if anybody has some experience with working on these - I may have some questions - Thanks
-------------------------------------------
Paul Dickinson
Neillsville WI
715-743-2495
-------------------------------------------

Thomas console images.

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






Original Message:
Sent: 05-24-2014 03:18
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)

I just serviced a Thomas console with this same type of plastic keys and action.  Hopeless.  One of the few times I have had to walk away from a piano.  The damper springs were breaking their attachments and repairs were unrealistic and impractical.  The tone and back design appeared to be unusual, but sturdy and the tone was decent.  The keys were loose and had a plastic feel.

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






Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2014 05:14
From: Michael Gamble
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)

Yes, Paul. I've spent a lot of time with these (at the time) futuristic beasts. I even had one of their Grands through my hands once. The action is a really amazing concept using alloy bifurcated to hold that plastic ended bit of string used as a tape. The real trouble was their use of plastic before it had been fully researched for age-stress related problems. Sliding the plastic flanges along the channelled action rails is another problem (for lining up) due to the front foot of the 'R' profile flange breaking off. Then there's the key problem. They use a bit of tempered clock spring instead of weights to bias the key return. These break and so I had a tin full of replacement springs. Unfortunately the 'bung' into which these springs were fitted (under the keys) also tended to break up if you try to remove them. Then there's that nice touch of regulating the key dip with a plastic grub-screw from underneath. I had one of these little uprights (given to me to experiment with) and liked the tone so much that I had a replacement keyboard made. I took the action and key-frame up to F&N and they did a wonderful job. I also like the way the key-frame lowered like a 'ships' piano (first remove the metal pedal trap-work dowelling) The story is that when this factory in Shannon closed, they paid off their work-force in pianos...... Very Irish (begorrah!)   Michael (UK)

-------------------------------------------
Michael Gamble
semi retired
Brighton
01273813612
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2014 18:17
From: Paul Dickinson
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)


Is anybody here an expert or semi expert on these actions?  The keys are plastic and the wippens clip in to the action - if anybody has some experience with working on these - I may have some questions - Thanks
-------------------------------------------
Paul Dickinson
Neillsville WI
715-743-2495
-------------------------------------------

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






Original Message:
Sent: 05-24-2014 03:28
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)

Thomas console images.

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






Original Message:
Sent: 05-24-2014 03:18
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)

I just serviced a Thomas console with this same type of plastic keys and action.  Hopeless.  One of the few times I have had to walk away from a piano.  The damper springs were breaking their attachments and repairs were unrealistic and impractical.  The tone and back design appeared to be unusual, but sturdy and the tone was decent.  The keys were loose and had a plastic feel.

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






Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2014 05:14
From: Michael Gamble
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)

Yes, Paul. I've spent a lot of time with these (at the time) futuristic beasts. I even had one of their Grands through my hands once. The action is a really amazing concept using alloy bifurcated to hold that plastic ended bit of string used as a tape. The real trouble was their use of plastic before it had been fully researched for age-stress related problems. Sliding the plastic flanges along the channelled action rails is another problem (for lining up) due to the front foot of the 'R' profile flange breaking off. Then there's the key problem. They use a bit of tempered clock spring instead of weights to bias the key return. These break and so I had a tin full of replacement springs. Unfortunately the 'bung' into which these springs were fitted (under the keys) also tended to break up if you try to remove them. Then there's that nice touch of regulating the key dip with a plastic grub-screw from underneath. I had one of these little uprights (given to me to experiment with) and liked the tone so much that I had a replacement keyboard made. I took the action and key-frame up to F&N and they did a wonderful job. I also like the way the key-frame lowered like a 'ships' piano (first remove the metal pedal trap-work dowelling) The story is that when this factory in Shannon closed, they paid off their work-force in pianos...... Very Irish (begorrah!)   Michael (UK)

-------------------------------------------
Michael Gamble
semi retired
Brighton
01273813612
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2014 18:17
From: Paul Dickinson
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)


Is anybody here an expert or semi expert on these actions?  The keys are plastic and the wippens clip in to the action - if anybody has some experience with working on these - I may have some questions - Thanks
-------------------------------------------
Paul Dickinson
Neillsville WI
715-743-2495
-------------------------------------------

Good photo of the Lindner action. Now the maker has 'passed on' I think we should give due deference to getting the name right. It IS LINDNER with an extra 'n' in there. Mark you I'm rather glad of their 'passing' . . . . .    Michael (UK)

-------------------------------------------
Michael Gamble
semi retired
Brighton
01273813612
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 05-24-2014 03:28
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)

Thomas console images.

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






Original Message:
Sent: 05-24-2014 03:18
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)

I just serviced a Thomas console with this same type of plastic keys and action.  Hopeless.  One of the few times I have had to walk away from a piano.  The damper springs were breaking their attachments and repairs were unrealistic and impractical.  The tone and back design appeared to be unusual, but sturdy and the tone was decent.  The keys were loose and had a plastic feel.

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






Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2014 05:14
From: Michael Gamble
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)

Yes, Paul. I've spent a lot of time with these (at the time) futuristic beasts. I even had one of their Grands through my hands once. The action is a really amazing concept using alloy bifurcated to hold that plastic ended bit of string used as a tape. The real trouble was their use of plastic before it had been fully researched for age-stress related problems. Sliding the plastic flanges along the channelled action rails is another problem (for lining up) due to the front foot of the 'R' profile flange breaking off. Then there's the key problem. They use a bit of tempered clock spring instead of weights to bias the key return. These break and so I had a tin full of replacement springs. Unfortunately the 'bung' into which these springs were fitted (under the keys) also tended to break up if you try to remove them. Then there's that nice touch of regulating the key dip with a plastic grub-screw from underneath. I had one of these little uprights (given to me to experiment with) and liked the tone so much that I had a replacement keyboard made. I took the action and key-frame up to F&N and they did a wonderful job. I also like the way the key-frame lowered like a 'ships' piano (first remove the metal pedal trap-work dowelling) The story is that when this factory in Shannon closed, they paid off their work-force in pianos...... Very Irish (begorrah!)   Michael (UK)

-------------------------------------------
Michael Gamble
semi retired
Brighton
01273813612
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2014 18:17
From: Paul Dickinson
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)


Is anybody here an expert or semi expert on these actions?  The keys are plastic and the wippens clip in to the action - if anybody has some experience with working on these - I may have some questions - Thanks
-------------------------------------------
Paul Dickinson
Neillsville WI
715-743-2495
-------------------------------------------

There was a discussion on this a few months back Paul

The plastic is getting brittle with age.  You may have to consider making parts out of wood.

check the archives.

I'll be in the Oshkosh area for a week soon visiting my 95 yo father and helping put some cousins' parents to rest.

-------------------------------------------
Larry Fisher
Owner, Chief Grunt, Head Hosehead
Vancouver WA
360-256-2999
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2014 18:17
From: Paul Dickinson
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)


Is anybody here an expert or semi expert on these actions?  The keys are plastic and the wippens clip in to the action - if anybody has some experience with working on these - I may have some questions - Thanks
-------------------------------------------
Paul Dickinson
Neillsville WI
715-743-2495
-------------------------------------------

I compiled a series of articles into one on this subject some time ago.
Find it attached.

-------------------------------------------
Bruce Browning ARPT
The Piano Tuner
Glenroy, Victoria, Australia
www.thepianotuner.com.au
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2014 18:17
From: Paul Dickinson
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)


Is anybody here an expert or semi expert on these actions?  The keys are plastic and the wippens clip in to the action - if anybody has some experience with working on these - I may have some questions - Thanks
-------------------------------------------
Paul Dickinson
Neillsville WI
715-743-2495
-------------------------------------------

Yes, I remember reading your findings on Lindner and nodding sagely at your many advices. As I said - I was an owner of one of these and had a replacement keyboard built which allowed me to quickly sell it on into the trade. Made a profit too! Maybe with the emergence of new plastics this action could be revisited? Think of it...  Screwless action! Push-in replacements! Alignment by sliding! Two strings-per note! (one per-note in the Bass) Small! Light weight!  Top case simply lifts off!  Does the list end here?   Michael (UK)
-------------------------------------------
Michael Gamble
semi retired
Brighton
01273813612
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2014 11:30
From: Bruce Browning
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)

I compiled a series of articles into one on this subject some time ago.
Find it attached.

-------------------------------------------
Bruce Browning ARPT
The Piano Tuner
Glenroy, Victoria, Australia
www.thepianotuner.com.au
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2014 18:17
From: Paul Dickinson
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)


Is anybody here an expert or semi expert on these actions?  The keys are plastic and the wippens clip in to the action - if anybody has some experience with working on these - I may have some questions - Thanks
-------------------------------------------
Paul Dickinson
Neillsville WI
715-743-2495
-------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------
David Nereson
Denver CO
303-355-5770
-------------------------------------------
It's Lindner.   Anyhow, I worked on one once and it was a nightmare.  It wasn't worth messing with.  Never again.  Fortunately there aren't many around.  I'd get rid of it and get a real piano. 
---David Nereson, RPT





Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2014 18:17
From: Paul Dickinson
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)


Is anybody here an expert or semi expert on these actions?  The keys are plastic and the wippens clip in to the action - if anybody has some experience with working on these - I may have some questions - Thanks
-------------------------------------------
Paul Dickinson
Neillsville WI
715-743-2495
-------------------------------------------

Exactly, Linder  i`ts not a piano but rather a diagnosis! Some time ago when i worked as  a tech for Forsyths Brothers(Manchester UK) my boss always  told me about "Linders"- "Put them in a bonfire", but i managed to save a set of good Renners hammers from  that Linder.


-------------------------------------------
Ivan Yokhna
Senior Piano Technician
RPT Ukraine
-------------------------------------------

Yes, I encountered one last week.  Myself and another tech (by phone) told the client about the nature of his piano - he paid $50 for it, and is on a quest to fix up the notes that have popped out and fix the various clicks and sticky notes - there were springs all over the bottom of the "piano".  Luckily, someone here has some replacement parts - thank you and I will forward the info to my client.  And I will wish my client good luck too!
-------------------------------------------
Paul Dickinson
Neillsville WI
715-743-2495
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2014 04:37
From: Ivan Yokhna
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)







Exactly, Linder  i`ts not a piano but rather a diagnosis! Some time ago when i worked as  a tech for Forsyths Brothers(Manchester UK) my boss always  told me about "Linders"- "Put them in a bonfire", but i managed to save a set of good Renners hammers from  that Linder.


-------------------------------------------
Ivan Yokhna
Senior Piano Technician
RPT Ukraine
-------------------------------------------

Are these replacement parts made of matchwood? With red ends? Michael (UK)

-------------------------------------------
Michael Gamble
semi retired
Brighton
01273813612
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 05-21-2014 08:23
From: Paul Dickinson
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)


Yes, I encountered one last week.  Myself and another tech (by phone) told the client about the nature of his piano - he paid $50 for it, and is on a quest to fix up the notes that have popped out and fix the various clicks and sticky notes - there were springs all over the bottom of the "piano".  Luckily, someone here has some replacement parts - thank you and I will forward the info to my client.  And I will wish my client good luck too!
-------------------------------------------
Paul Dickinson
Neillsville WI
715-743-2495
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2014 04:37
From: Ivan Yokhna
Subject: Linder "plastic" action pianos (Ireland)







Exactly, Linder  i`ts not a piano but rather a diagnosis! Some time ago when i worked as  a tech for Forsyths Brothers(Manchester UK) my boss always  told me about "Linders"- "Put them in a bonfire", but i managed to save a set of good Renners hammers from  that Linder.


-------------------------------------------
Ivan Yokhna
Senior Piano Technician
RPT Ukraine
-------------------------------------------