Paul,
While you are at it, and since you will have to address it, secure
the balance rail punchings so they don't fly off and blow them clean
with low pressure compressed air and then replace the balance rail
cloth punchings. Also, make sure the key upstop clearance is minimum
possible without inhibiting the keys. We had this problem with a lot of
bounce on new Baldwin pianos late in the company production. Lowering
the key stop made a huge difference by restricting much room the keys
were allowed to bounce. Also clean the whip cushions and soften the
jack return cushions by needling or adding some profelt or actual fabric
softener (this will require dry time). All these things contribute to noise
even if they are not the actual cause. Of course if the key holes are loose
they will have to be addressed as will the key bushings.
Good luck
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Dave Conte
Owner
North Richland Hills TX
817-581-7321
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2020 23:53
From: Willem Blees
Subject: Chickering with Clattering Keys
Paul
I agree with Jon The keys are bouncing off the back rail. You need to solve that problem. I realize this will take a lot of other work, but it might be worth it in the long run.
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Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
Mililani, HI 96789
Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2020 22:51
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Chickering with Clattering Keys
Somehow, I got this baby grand Chickering piano. French leg style, ivory keys. Nice little music box. I tried to consign this to a dealer in LA, whose clients are musicians and producers. He was concerned because when you let go of a key rapidly, it makes a clattering sound. He couldn't accept the piano with this problem. I went up there yesterday, and found that it does indeed have a louder than normal sound, which I originally thought was from hard knuckles. The knuckles are practically new and very supple. What I realized the sound is coming from is the keys themselves. When the hammer returns, it forces the wippen against the back rail felt, and then the front of the key bounces up a little bit. This is making the clattering sound. What to do? I didn't have much time, so my first thought was to glue-size the balance rail holes so there's more friction, and it would keep the keys from bouncing. Alas, it wasn't working as I hoped. So, I turned the keypins. OH NO! Burn me at the stake, but that's what I did. I made every bit of clearance in the key bushing as close as I could without making too much friction. It did work, but.. I'm going to have to reclaim the piano (he still didn't want it), so I'm looking for a better solution. I remember in some old catalogs there was a balance rail pin with a spring on it. Never seen or tried them. Somehow, the keys have to NOT rise off the balance rail, or they make this clattering sound. I'm going to straighten out the balance rail pins when I get back to it. I'm open to any ideas. Thanks in advance.
Paul McCloud
San Diego
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Paul McCloud, RPT
Accutone Piano Service
www.AccutonePianoService.com
service@accutonepianoservice.com
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