Pianotech

  • 1.  Quiet Time Regulation

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-08-2021 16:21
    My client has a Quiet Time installed in a Yamaha U1, recently new to him. When engaged, at its current position, the let off is set from 3/8”-1/2”. Which of course makes it horrendous for playing in acoustic mode. I’m not very familiar with these systems, but my initial investigation didn’t reveal how to easily change the shank blocking mechanism to allow a more reasonable let-off in acoustic playing. Anyone have tips on how to adjust, or relocate the block position?

    Incidentally, another client has a new Steinway K with a PianoDisc Prodigy installed, the let-off is great, but when the digital is engaged, the shanks (hammers) block at least 1/4” from the strings. My sense tells me this is very bad for the center pinning as well as the shanks. I’ve tried contacting Pianodisc to get regulation specs for both of these units, but no replies thus far.

    Joe Wiencek
    NYC


  • 2.  RE: Quiet Time Regulation

    Member
    Posted 06-09-2021 10:10
    The following came from a Quiettime installation menu. The install and letoffs vary depending on the presence of existing mute rail hardware and felt. To keep from hitting the strings when quiettime is in use the letoff has to be tweaked . Over time as the hammers wear there is a need to re-regulate the action and re=calibrate the system.
    The letoff is way out on the U1

    As for the Steinway K 1/4" also seems too great.  Center pinning and shanks should not be adversely affected. By design the hammers in a quiettime hve to stop short of the strings so that all of the other sounds can be activated by the sensor strips and heard in the headphones or speakers.

    Most player systems are used to play the piano from the encoded Piano Disc /Disklavier/QRS Pianomation CD's or music on the CPU and/or IPAD

    ------------------------------
    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Quiet Time Regulation

    Member
    Posted 06-09-2021 10:11
    I meant to paste this in my last message
    Piano with mute rail and let-offs
    · The let-offs should be set at 2 - 3 mm for the best acoustic piano touch. A piano
    fitted with a mute rail cannot maintain this ideal setting as the mute rail curves
    when the hammer strikes it. Therefore the let-offs must be set somewhat further
    away than the ideal setting, e.g. 5 – 6 mm.
    Requirement Possible adjustment
    The clearance between the hammer and the
    string at the let-off point should be reduced.
    Fit a spacer between the hinge and the
    mechanical support.
    This must be checked regularly afterwards.
    The piano should not be played when the
    mute rail is in the mute position.
    Adjust the clearance between the cable joints.
    The let-off must be rechecked after this
    adjustment has been made.
    The screws in the dampers should not touch
    the mute rail.
    Use the adjustment screw on the operating
    lever to position the mute rail.
    The mute rail should not be able to move
    sideways.
    Fit a tie clamp in Section (D) (See: Page 11
    Fig I-H, Rear View of (D)-Part)
    Play the piano for a while in order to
    immediately pinpoint any minor defects or
    deformations and then readjust them.


    ------------------------------
    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Quiet Time Regulation

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-09-2021 11:01
    James,
    Thanks so much. I’ll be seeing the U1 tomorrow so I really appreciate this info. Do you find a direct link for installation instructions on the PianoDisc website? I didn’t locate any.

    Joe




  • 5.  RE: Quiet Time Regulation

    Member
    Posted 06-09-2021 11:49
      |   view attached
    This installation manual was found on the internet and contains some good scretches as well as information on the quiettime system

    ------------------------------
    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
    ------------------------------

    Attachment(s)