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Keyframe Return Spring

  • 1.  Keyframe Return Spring

    Posted 05-03-2022 08:01
      |   view attached
    Hello All,

    Does anyone know where I might get a new keyboard return spring for a 30 year old Young Chang?  Or is it possible to bend the older one to give it a renewed life?

    Thanks!

    ------------------------------
    Patrick Greene
    OWNER
    Knoxville TN
    865-384-6582
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Keyframe Return Spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-03-2022 08:52
    I've had action return springs break on me, but never get weak. But it you think the spring needs to be stronger, add a couple of think cardboard balance rail punching to one side of the spring. 





  • 3.  RE: Keyframe Return Spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-06-2022 10:32
    If the action has trouble returning make sure you've done everything you can in the lubrication department before strengthening the spring.

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    John Pope
    University of Kentucky School of Music
    Lexington, KY
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Keyframe Return Spring

    Posted 05-08-2022 10:27
    I tried putting some teflon spray under the keybed and lubricating the pedal "arm" as well and that didn't work.  So I tried getting a new return spring from Schaff and it was not large enough..therefore not enough pressure to push back.  I sent an email to Young Chang asking if they had a spring for sale and they replied and did not have one.  This is one of those bad action brackets pianos.  I replaced the brackets, so the action works good now...but the spring is the sticking point.

     

    Thank you!

    ------------------------------
    Patrick Greene
    OWNER
    Knoxville TN
    865-384-6582
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Keyframe Return Spring

    Posted 05-08-2022 10:45
    Did you clean the spring with Flitz or similar? Also SuperLube or VJ lube on the key frame where it contacts the spring? 

    Sometimes it's from where the cheek blocks clamp down on the guide pins. You occasionally have to reposition those. Does it return without the cheek blocks?

    Is there a worn spot on the key frame from contact with the spring? That can be sanded down.

    ------------------------------
    John Formsma
    New Albany MS

    "Sneak up on optimal."
    --Ron Nossaman
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Keyframe Return Spring

    Posted 05-08-2022 10:22
    Thank you.  I will try that

    ------------------------------
    Patrick Greene
    OWNER
    Knoxville TN
    865-384-6582
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Keyframe Return Spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-09-2022 08:29
    Teflon powder on the keybed where the front and back rail contact, white lithium grease, cork grease, VJ lube or something of that sort where the balance rail studs contact, more greasy stuff where the spring contacts the action frame.

    If you really need a stronger spring, Wim's idea sounds good.

    ------------------------------
    John Pope
    University of Kentucky School of Music
    Lexington, KY
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Keyframe Return Spring

    Posted 05-09-2022 08:40
    What would be better (non-greasy) would be a soap stone stick to rub to wood to lubricate. That way, there's no chance for transfer.

    ------------------------------
    Regards,

    Jon Page
    mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
    http://www.pianocapecod.com
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Keyframe Return Spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-09-2022 08:47
    1. Please no greasy stuff. Greasy stuff attracts dirt and causes squeaks

    ------------------------------
    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: Keyframe Return Spring

    Posted 05-09-2022 11:19
    Can you put one spring on top of the other?





  • 11.  RE: Keyframe Return Spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-10-2022 11:17
    What's your alternative Larry?

    ------------------------------
    John Pope
    University of Kentucky School of Music
    Lexington, KY
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: Keyframe Return Spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-10-2022 20:50
    Teflon burnished in

    ------------------------------
    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Keyframe Return Spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-10-2022 11:20
    I'm intrigued Jon, but what do you mean by transfer?

    ------------------------------
    John Pope
    University of Kentucky School of Music
    Lexington, KY
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: Keyframe Return Spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-10-2022 23:28
    If lubrication doesn't suffice, you could put a fulcrum between the back screws and the front one.

    ------------------------------
    Steven Rosenthal
    Honolulu HI
    808-521-7129
    ------------------------------