Lucinda,
Precision skills like damper regulation, as described for new damper work, or any action regulation, require the entire system be working at optimum, or close to optimum conditions. If any parameter in the system is challenged we have to go into "make it work mode". By definition, a tired system, will not be able to function like a new system, and one has to negotiate, in one's own brain, which parameters have to be compromised. There will be no "right" answer...one just does the best they can.
Trying to graft concert level work, described in the journal, on to poorly maintained and just plain tired pianos, will unfairly, make the site tech feel like they don't know what they are doing. The systems might, with luck, occasionally be improved by the tech, without parts restoration. But, as we all have experienced, touching tired damper systems at all, without restoration, is a recipe for hours volunteered on-site trying to resolve a problem we could have avoided by leaving the tired system be. My approach, is to leave it be, until it was time to restore. Only fix as per triage protocols, and only on limited problem children notes.
------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-20-2021 18:32
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: Regulating Dampers for Raise or for Damping?
Poor quality felt or felt saved from numerous sets(various thicknesses) would cause such problems. Also what i call Damper tray tilt would give a person a hard time. I usually take the extra time to make sure the pivots are at the same height. If the tray lifting felt is in bad condition, its inexpensive and well worth replacing.
-chris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXszvbSoaKs&t=69s
------------------------------
Chernobieff Piano Restorations
"Where Tone is Key"
chernobieffpiano.com
grandpianoman@protonmail.com
Lenoir City, TN
865-986-7720
Original Message:
Sent: 11-20-2021 16:20
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Regulating Dampers for Raise or for Damping?
I agree with Wim....its freak'in hard to do a really nice damper job.
However, recently my shut off timing, and efficiency of damping took a quantum leap. After setting the dampers up to both lift and shutoff evenly as I could, new dampers, hit them all with Everclear (ethyl alcohol) with no added water, just straight up hooch. Then with either weighted damper socks, or 1 lb rice or lentil bags from the grocery, placed them on the dampers, then weighted them further with 1/lb stackable sash weights across the damper sock. The tri-chords will then need to be trimmed, but even-ess and efficiency of damping should be excellent.
WIth the Everclear, and no added water, there is a very little water the alcohol pics up from the air, but not enough to create staining on the felts.
That all assumes excellent side-to-side alignment, and bottom wire adjustments. Without the basics done well, it will still be mehh.
------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026
Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2021 16:02
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Regulating Dampers for Raise or for Damping?
Floyd
For me, regulating damper, both upright and grand, have always been one of the hardest things I have done. Just as I think I've got it, one more little move to make it even better, makes it worse. It just takes time and and tremendous amount of patience. And a strong back, taking the action in and out.
------------------------------
Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
St. Augustine, FL 32095
Tnrwim@aol.com
Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2021 14:16
From: Floyd Gadd
Subject: Regulating Dampers for Raise or for Damping?
I am all ears (eyes?) on this thread. One of my goals for the next year is to raise my skill level in grand damper regulation. It exists now at far too basic a state. I don't lack tools on the shelf. I lack precision and nuance.
------------------------------
Floyd Gadd
Regina SK
306-502-9103
Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2021 10:33
From: Jon Page
Subject: Regulating Dampers for Raise or for Damping?
If the all lift simultaneously, they will dampen simultaneously. But that might not be desirable. Pedal release can be noisy. Some pianists prefer the bass to dampen last, which would cut down on simultaneous impact or womp. Individual note lift is a different story, especially at the bass/tenor break with the offset damper heads; if they lift in sync then they lift late in the keystroke. I usually under cut the end lifter felt and insert a thin shim.
------------------------------
Regards,
Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
http://www.pianocapecod.com
Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2021 01:20
From: Cobrun Sells
Subject: Regulating Dampers for Raise or for Damping?
Does anyone regulate dampers for what they are actually used for...damping? I see in different books to regulate dampers to all lift at the same time but that is different than regulating them to all damp at the same time. If you do regulate so that they all damp at the same time (rather than focusing on them lifting at the same time), how do you do it? On vertical and grand...
------------------------------
Cobrun Sells
cobrun94@yahoo.com
------------------------------