I just wanted to say, I replaced a set recently, and it became a big nightmare because the new brackets were a very tight fit on the frame. Consequently, after shoehorning the stack on the frame and screwing it down, I noticed the hammer rail had a slight arch to it. I wondered if it was just my eyes deceiving me. I did some initial regulation, and when I got to the piano, it was way off. Ok, so I turned capstans and made it work. Then I noticed some of the hammers were not spaced properly, and many were missing one string. So, I'm trying to line them up, and well there wasn't enough adjustment left. Ok, so I"ll shim the stop block and that will do. Uhh, nope. Now the shift pedal doesn't work. Hmm, what's going on? So, obviously, there is an alignment problem with the stack such that the hammers are too far to the bass side. I realized that the hammer rail is about 1/4" off. So, I took the action to my shop again, and I filed the holes in the hammer rail into slots so that I could slide them over so the knuckles were directly over the jack tips, and the capstans were again centered under the wippen cushions. That's a lot of filing! 4 holes per bracket for the hammer rail and one hole for the other rail, per bracket. I also had to plug and redrill the existing bracket holes. The original brackets were very tight on each end, and apparently the new brackets were bigger, so it made the brackets force the rails into a curve when I put them on the key frame. This has never happened to me before. So, having major-ly turned capstans, now I had to go the other way to make the action work again. AARGH! I did a ballpark regulation on the bench, and luckily it was pretty close when I finally put it in the piano. Sheesh!
All to say, when putting new brackets in on the key frame, be sure that everything is lined up as before and that the brackets are free to sit on the frame without being forced into where the old brackets were. You might have to chisel the frame to allow the new brackets to fall into place, and also chisel off the tops of the old bracket holes (splintered) so the feet sit flat on the frame. I know, most of you are like, "Duh! Didn't you know that!", but somehow I never came across this before. Much wasted time and $$$'s for me. Did I mention the piano is on the 20th floor in a high-rise apartment downtown?
Yeah, having fun. Right?
Paul McCloud
inSaneDiego
James Kelly
There are two distinct sets/types of brackets so you need to match the brackets to what is in the piano with the expanding bracket issue. You also may have to drill holes in different locations on the action frame and do a little chisel work to set the replacements brackets as well as purchase longer screws. It seems to be hit or miss on the supply side and often have a long wait after ordering. When you order you need the serial number of the piano you are ordering for. As Jon suggested it is possible to make good copies out of a high grade plywood- after all many old Chickerings have wooden action brackets. Three months seems like a crazy long time to wait and i can't understand why there is not a standing inventory given the scope of the pianos affected not just under the YC name. (wurlitzers, webers and a few other brands have the expanding bracket issue)
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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
Original Message:
Sent: 11/22/2020 5:00:00 PM
From: James Kelly
Subject: RE: Seeking Young Chang Brackets
There are two distinct sets/types of brackets so you need to match the brackets to what is in the piano with the expanding bracket issue. You also may have to drill holes in different locations on the action frame and do a little chisel work to set the replacements brackets as well as purchase longer screws. It seems to be hit or miss on the supply side and often have a long wait after ordering. When you order you need the serial number of the piano you are ordering for. As Jon suggested it is possible to make good copies out of a high grade plywood- after all many old Chickerings have wooden action brackets. Three months seems like a crazy long time to wait and i can't understand why there is not a standing inventory given the scope of the pianos affected not just under the YC name. (wurlitzers, webers and a few other brands have the expanding bracket issue)
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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2020 08:22
From: Philip Jamison
Subject: Seeking Young Chang Brackets
My poor customer has waited 3 months for new action brackets for her Young Chang grand. Has anyone an extra set for sale?
Also, since the supply of these parts is irregular, it seems to me these would be an ideal 3-D printing project. Any thoughts?
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Philip Jamison
Philip Jamison Pianos
WEST CHESTER PA
610-696-8449
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