Pianotech

I have a customer with a MH 9' piano with a pianodisc system installed.  Of course it changes the pedal function and in particular the sustain pedal has no tension on it and feels very mushy.  Does anyone have experience with installing a spring on that system that will increase the pedal tension but not screw up the ability for the PD to actually lift the dampers (I presume that's why the effective resistance is lessened).  

I do have a inquiry in with PD but thought I would elicit other opinions and ideas.  

Thanks

Improper installation. I have seen springs mounted on the pedal rod, bearing on the lyre at the top held in place on the rod with a collet.

Improper installation. I have seen springs mounted on the pedal rod, bearing on the lyre at the top held in place on the rod with a collet.

Improper installation. I have seen springs mounted on the pedal rod, bearing on the lyre at the top held in place on the rod with a collet.

Trying to picture where you're talking about exactly.  I don't install these player devices and don't prefer them in part for the reason that Ron mentions plus I have a psychological block to cutting a hole in the keybed and carving away part of the back rail.  So I gather that the damper tray springs are removed in order that there is not too much resistance for this solenoid to overcome, which is also why the una corda pedal can't be engaged in this system.  Anyway, if you can clarify where exactly you're talking about installing this spring, and what type I'd appreciate it.   

Thanks all for the comments.

Is it an older system with the larger black rail box behind the pedals or a newer system with a slim rail cover?

[IMG]http://www.chicagopianos.com/player_img/Low%20profile%20vs%20old.jpg[/IMG]

The older system pedal lever is a bent aluminum piece that is mounted around the rail box and the newer system has a wooden trap lever system. 

The older pedal systems function best with the solenoid mounted closer to the fulcrum point of the mounting hardware of the trap lever. If the solenoid is mounted further out than 8" or so from the fulcrum hinge, the solenoid will not have enough travel to lift the damper tray and the pitman will be set very close for damper lift to occur. Typically, a spring is needed inside the pedal box underneath the back of the sustain pedal to give more resistance to the pedal but keep the solenoid from thumping by lifting and dropping a spring loaded rail. The solenoid travel can be increased by unlocking the jam nut on the bottom of the solenoid plunger and threading the large hexagonal threaded end down and relocking the jam nut.

The newer systems work much better with the tighter trapwork arrangement and if properly installed, a spring is unnecessary in the pedal box.

I would find out who did the install (PianoDisc should be able to find this out with the number off the side of the control box) and if it's still under warranty, I'd have them check it out, if possible.

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Robert Kiddell
Edmonton AB
780-918-2083

Is it an older system with the larger black rail box behind the pedals or a newer system with a slim rail cover?

[IMG]http://www.chicagopianos.com/player_img/Low%20profile%20vs%20old.jpg[/IMG]

The older system pedal lever is a bent aluminum piece that is mounted around the rail box and the newer system has a wooden trap lever system. 

The older pedal systems function best with the solenoid mounted closer to the fulcrum point of the mounting hardware of the trap lever. If the solenoid is mounted further out than 8" or so from the fulcrum hinge, the solenoid will not have enough travel to lift the damper tray and the pitman will be set very close for damper lift to occur. Typically, a spring is needed inside the pedal box underneath the back of the sustain pedal to give more resistance to the pedal but keep the solenoid from thumping by lifting and dropping a spring loaded rail. The solenoid travel can be increased by unlocking the jam nut on the bottom of the solenoid plunger and threading the large hexagonal threaded end down and relocking the jam nut.

The newer systems work much better with the tighter trapwork arrangement and if properly installed, a spring is unnecessary in the pedal box.

I would find out who did the install (PianoDisc should be able to find this out with the number off the side of the control box) and if it's still under warranty, I'd have them check it out, if possible.

Thanks Jon.  It is a new system and I do know who did the installation but it's a question mark as to whether they are able to address the issues adequately.  I'm being cautious about getting involved in any modifications as the installation is very recent and I don't want to transfer the responsibility to me at this point.  Honestly, the owners may be interested in selling the piano as there are some things they are not happy about but the corrections should be made before that happens, IMO.  

Thanks again.

This is something the installer should be addressing. If he can't address it, he shouldn't be an installer. BTW, players do not sell well on the used market. The only saving grace it that it's a new install and not old technology. But the reasons they don't like it might be the same reasons a prospective buyer might not like it.

If I get another player in, I'm removing the player and can readily sell it as a straight piano. They just don't have a second market. I have a 1990 Disklavier upright that no one wants, plus they go really cheap compared to the cost new. Player units do not offer value to the piano, negative value if any. That player with the added lever, I could have sold it multiple times if it weren't a player.

I have a customer who recently moved here with a new S&S M w/ PD. It was a POS purchase and now they regret it and want it removed but the installer didn't archive the trapwork with the piano (or return them). That's another point, please archive the trapwork with the piano so when the time comes to remove the player, it can be replaced without having to scrounge up or fabricate the parts.

When I install a piano on a truck or dollies, I place the wheels in a box or bag and place them in the bottom of the upright or on the ledge above the rear leg on a grand. I've had to remove such appliances and it was very nice to have the original wheels right there. This is especially true for the single caster-socket units on Asian, M&H and other pianos.