I don't recall having problems with Kimball plastic flanges. However, if you're going to replace you should verify first that they are the same dimensions as wooden flanges; I did once replace a set of (wooden) Kimball hammer flanges that had silk loops and those flanges were narrower than standard wooden hammer flanges, I had to reduce them to make them fit. Also that the screw holes line up.
Damper flanges that are ready to go will generally break under any side to side pressure. I thin the crush test is a good one, then you'll know and can show the customer. If this has come up because you are going to replace the dampers, you definitely want to know ahead of time the condition of the flanges.
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Steven Rosenthal
Honolulu HI
808-521-7129
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-30-2020 18:23
From: Joe Wiencek
Subject: Plastic Kimball flanges
Thank you Larry. Seems a wise approach.
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Joe Wiencek
New York NY
Original Message:
Sent: 01-30-2020 17:44
From: Larry Messerly
Subject: Plastic Kimball flanges
I would wait after warning the client. I follow the rule of three. If three of the same thing break, they all need to be replaced.
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Larry Messerly, RPT
Bringing Harmony to Homes
www.lacrossepianotuning.com
ljmesserly@gmail.com
928-899-7292
Original Message:
Sent: 01-30-2020 12:08
From: Joe Wiencek
Subject: Plastic Kimball flanges
List,
I'm looking into regulating a 1981 Kimball console and wondering if I should suggest swapping the plastic damper lever flanges out for wood?
As I understand, older plastics can crumble, but the age of this piano makes me think they might be all right. Anyone have an opinion they'd care to offer? I'd much appreciate any input. I'd rather not experiment by trying to crush a flange just to test it!
Thanks
Joe Wiencek
NYC