Pianotech

Hello,

I've been asked to give an estimate on replacing the whippens on an 1870s Kirkman semi-concert grand. I would also need to upgrade the old rocker capstans to modern ones if possible. It's also possible that I'll replace hammers, shanks and flanges followed by a regulation, of course. I haven't seen the piano yet, but I'm trying to plan ahead. Has anyone worked with this type of English piano before? Is there anything in particular I should be aware of? Photos below.

 Thank you!

If you can find a modern wippen with similar geometry, especially at the jack toe, be prepared to modify the heel height and location. Check the half-stoke "magic line" and make capstan riser blocks so about 1/2 inch of capstan is showing. I reworked a Steinway that someone else modernized without these mods, and friction was horrible because they didn't move down the heels to a reasonable spot. Now it works well. "After" photo attached.

Hello,

I've been asked to give an estimate on replacing the whippens on an 1870s Kirkman semi-concert grand. I would also need to upgrade the old rocker capstans to modern ones if possible. It's also possible that I'll replace hammers, shanks and flanges followed by a regulation, of course. I haven't seen the piano yet, but I'm trying to plan ahead. Has anyone worked with this type of English piano before? Is there anything in particular I should be aware of? Photos below.

 Thank you!

Thank you for the great info! Can you help me understand what you mean by "the half-stoke 'magic line'"? Up to this point, I've not needed to make major adjustments to whippens.

 Thanks again!

------------------------------
Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074

Original Message:
Sent: 04-02-2024 07:56
From: Gregory Graham
Subject: 1870s Kirkman action update

If you can find a modern wippen with similar geometry, especially at the jack toe, be prepared to modify the heel height and location. Check the half-stoke "magic line" and make capstan riser blocks so about 1/2 inch of capstan is showing. I reworked a Steinway that someone else modernized without these mods, and friction was horrible because they didn't move down the heels to a reasonable spot. Now it works well. "After" photo attached.

------------------------------
Greg Graham, RPT
Brodheadsville, PA

Original Message:
Sent: 04-01-2024 21:14
From: Tim Foster
Subject: 1870s Kirkman action update

Hello,

I've been asked to give an estimate on replacing the whippens on an 1870s Kirkman semi-concert grand. I would also need to upgrade the old rocker capstans to modern ones if possible. It's also possible that I'll replace hammers, shanks and flanges followed by a regulation, of course. I haven't seen the piano yet, but I'm trying to plan ahead. Has anyone worked with this type of English piano before? Is there anything in particular I should be aware of? Photos below.

 Thank you!

------------------------------
Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
------------------------------

Thank you for the great info! Can you help me understand what you mean by "the half-stoke 'magic line'"? Up to this point, I've not needed to make major adjustments to whippens.

 Thanks again!

------------------------------
Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
------------------------------

Hello,

I've been asked to give an estimate on replacing the whippens on an 1870s Kirkman semi-concert grand. I would also need to upgrade the old rocker capstans to modern ones if possible. It's also possible that I'll replace hammers, shanks and flanges followed by a regulation, of course. I haven't seen the piano yet, but I'm trying to plan ahead. Has anyone worked with this type of English piano before? Is there anything in particular I should be aware of? Photos below.

 Thank you!

Tokiwa has available new 'Universal' whippens. The whippens have a slot on the bottom to adjust front and back position of the heel. 

Several choices of heel height come with the set.  Works great!

Hello,

I've been asked to give an estimate on replacing the whippens on an 1870s Kirkman semi-concert grand. I would also need to upgrade the old rocker capstans to modern ones if possible. It's also possible that I'll replace hammers, shanks and flanges followed by a regulation, of course. I haven't seen the piano yet, but I'm trying to plan ahead. Has anyone worked with this type of English piano before? Is there anything in particular I should be aware of? Photos below.

 Thank you!

Thank you all for the great info!

Tokiwa has available new 'Universal' whippens. The whippens have a slot on the bottom to adjust front and back position of the heel. 

Several choices of heel height come with the set.  Works great!

Hello,

I've been asked to give an estimate on replacing the whippens on an 1870s Kirkman semi-concert grand. I would also need to upgrade the old rocker capstans to modern ones if possible. It's also possible that I'll replace hammers, shanks and flanges followed by a regulation, of course. I haven't seen the piano yet, but I'm trying to plan ahead. Has anyone worked with this type of English piano before? Is there anything in particular I should be aware of? Photos below.

 Thank you!

Thank you all for the great info!

Tokiwa has available new 'Universal' whippens. The whippens have a slot on the bottom to adjust front and back position of the heel. 

Several choices of heel height come with the set.  Works great!

Hello,

I've been asked to give an estimate on replacing the whippens on an 1870s Kirkman semi-concert grand. I would also need to upgrade the old rocker capstans to modern ones if possible. It's also possible that I'll replace hammers, shanks and flanges followed by a regulation, of course. I haven't seen the piano yet, but I'm trying to plan ahead. Has anyone worked with this type of English piano before? Is there anything in particular I should be aware of? Photos below.

 Thank you!