Pianotech

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

There are 5 or 6 of the L shaped stand-offs that connect the rod to the hinges. Look for a broken or loose one, probably near the juncture of the bass and the treble.

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks. I just looked and the base of the L shaped stand-off nearest to the juncture is discolored and worn looking. The others aren't like this. It's still connected to the hinge and that's screwed in. 

Here's a photo. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4bkacnbzovfmmoq/Lester%20Hinge.jpeg?dl=0

Do you think this is causing the problem? Any ideas for a solution?

There are 5 or 6 of the L shaped stand-offs that connect the rod to the hinges. Look for a broken or loose one, probably near the juncture of the bass and the treble.

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

The good thing about that unusual action is that the rods are easy to remove, there will be one of the L shaped stand-offs that is oriented in opposition to the others, if you unscrew the hinge the rods will come off the rail for inspection. If none are broken, test them with some pliers to see if they are loose in the rods.

Thanks. I just looked and the base of the L shaped stand-off nearest to the juncture is discolored and worn looking. The others aren't like this. It's still connected to the hinge and that's screwed in. 

Here's a photo. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4bkacnbzovfmmoq/Lester%20Hinge.jpeg?dl=0

Do you think this is causing the problem? Any ideas for a solution?

There are 5 or 6 of the L shaped stand-offs that connect the rod to the hinges. Look for a broken or loose one, probably near the juncture of the bass and the treble.

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Wow, that was easy to remove the rod. That L shaped stand-off nearest to the junction is loose. What would be the best repair for this?

The good thing about that unusual action is that the rods are easy to remove, there will be one of the L shaped stand-offs that is oriented in opposition to the others, if you unscrew the hinge the rods will come off the rail for inspection. If none are broken, test them with some pliers to see if they are loose in the rods.

Thanks. I just looked and the base of the L shaped stand-off nearest to the juncture is discolored and worn looking. The others aren't like this. It's still connected to the hinge and that's screwed in. 

Here's a photo. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4bkacnbzovfmmoq/Lester%20Hinge.jpeg?dl=0

Do you think this is causing the problem? Any ideas for a solution?

There are 5 or 6 of the L shaped stand-offs that connect the rod to the hinges. Look for a broken or loose one, probably near the juncture of the bass and the treble.

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Others might have better ideas than me. Do they seem to be pressure fit into place or soldered? You might be able to tighten it by "peening" it with a round hammer or possibly a center punch. It's really important that all of the L shaped stand-offs are the same distance from the rod and in line with each other.

Hopefully others will have some more advice how best to get that piece tight again.

Wow, that was easy to remove the rod. That L shaped stand-off nearest to the junction is loose. What would be the best repair for this?

The good thing about that unusual action is that the rods are easy to remove, there will be one of the L shaped stand-offs that is oriented in opposition to the others, if you unscrew the hinge the rods will come off the rail for inspection. If none are broken, test them with some pliers to see if they are loose in the rods.

Thanks. I just looked and the base of the L shaped stand-off nearest to the juncture is discolored and worn looking. The others aren't like this. It's still connected to the hinge and that's screwed in. 

Here's a photo. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4bkacnbzovfmmoq/Lester%20Hinge.jpeg?dl=0

Do you think this is causing the problem? Any ideas for a solution?

There are 5 or 6 of the L shaped stand-offs that connect the rod to the hinges. Look for a broken or loose one, probably near the juncture of the bass and the treble.

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks so much Steven for your help!

I'm not for sure if these are pressure fit or soldered. Here's a photo of the loose one.
Loose L-shaped stand off

Here's a photo of a non-loose one.

Normal L-shaped stand-off

Here's the other side where it goes through if that helps.

Other side of rod

Does anyone have any methods of tightening this?

Others might have better ideas than me. Do they seem to be pressure fit into place or soldered? You might be able to tighten it by "peening" it with a round hammer or possibly a center punch. It's really important that all of the L shaped stand-offs are the same distance from the rod and in line with each other.

Hopefully others will have some more advice how best to get that piece tight again.

Wow, that was easy to remove the rod. That L shaped stand-off nearest to the junction is loose. What would be the best repair for this?

The good thing about that unusual action is that the rods are easy to remove, there will be one of the L shaped stand-offs that is oriented in opposition to the others, if you unscrew the hinge the rods will come off the rail for inspection. If none are broken, test them with some pliers to see if they are loose in the rods.

Thanks. I just looked and the base of the L shaped stand-off nearest to the juncture is discolored and worn looking. The others aren't like this. It's still connected to the hinge and that's screwed in. 

Here's a photo. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4bkacnbzovfmmoq/Lester%20Hinge.jpeg?dl=0

Do you think this is causing the problem? Any ideas for a solution?

There are 5 or 6 of the L shaped stand-offs that connect the rod to the hinges. Look for a broken or loose one, probably near the juncture of the bass and the treble.

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Is that other side the loose one or a tight one. (those are incredible photographs)

Does the loose one jiggle from side to side or rotate?

Thanks so much Steven for your help!

I'm not for sure if these are pressure fit or soldered. Here's a photo of the loose one.
Loose L-shaped stand off

Here's a photo of a non-loose one.

Normal L-shaped stand-off

Here's the other side where it goes through if that helps.

Other side of rod

Does anyone have any methods of tightening this?

Others might have better ideas than me. Do they seem to be pressure fit into place or soldered? You might be able to tighten it by "peening" it with a round hammer or possibly a center punch. It's really important that all of the L shaped stand-offs are the same distance from the rod and in line with each other.

Hopefully others will have some more advice how best to get that piece tight again.

Wow, that was easy to remove the rod. That L shaped stand-off nearest to the junction is loose. What would be the best repair for this?

The good thing about that unusual action is that the rods are easy to remove, there will be one of the L shaped stand-offs that is oriented in opposition to the others, if you unscrew the hinge the rods will come off the rail for inspection. If none are broken, test them with some pliers to see if they are loose in the rods.

Thanks. I just looked and the base of the L shaped stand-off nearest to the juncture is discolored and worn looking. The others aren't like this. It's still connected to the hinge and that's screwed in. 

Here's a photo. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4bkacnbzovfmmoq/Lester%20Hinge.jpeg?dl=0

Do you think this is causing the problem? Any ideas for a solution?

There are 5 or 6 of the L shaped stand-offs that connect the rod to the hinges. Look for a broken or loose one, probably near the juncture of the bass and the treble.

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

That photo was a tight one. Here's the other side of the loose one.
Other side of Loose L

It jiggles in all directions but doesn't rotate.

Is that other side the loose one or a tight one. (those are incredible photographs)

Does the loose one jiggle from side to side or rotate?

Thanks so much Steven for your help!

I'm not for sure if these are pressure fit or soldered. Here's a photo of the loose one.
Loose L-shaped stand off

Here's a photo of a non-loose one.

Normal L-shaped stand-off

Here's the other side where it goes through if that helps.

Other side of rod

Does anyone have any methods of tightening this?

Others might have better ideas than me. Do they seem to be pressure fit into place or soldered? You might be able to tighten it by "peening" it with a round hammer or possibly a center punch. It's really important that all of the L shaped stand-offs are the same distance from the rod and in line with each other.

Hopefully others will have some more advice how best to get that piece tight again.

Wow, that was easy to remove the rod. That L shaped stand-off nearest to the junction is loose. What would be the best repair for this?

The good thing about that unusual action is that the rods are easy to remove, there will be one of the L shaped stand-offs that is oriented in opposition to the others, if you unscrew the hinge the rods will come off the rail for inspection. If none are broken, test them with some pliers to see if they are loose in the rods.

Thanks. I just looked and the base of the L shaped stand-off nearest to the juncture is discolored and worn looking. The others aren't like this. It's still connected to the hinge and that's screwed in. 

Here's a photo. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4bkacnbzovfmmoq/Lester%20Hinge.jpeg?dl=0

Do you think this is causing the problem? Any ideas for a solution?

There are 5 or 6 of the L shaped stand-offs that connect the rod to the hinges. Look for a broken or loose one, probably near the juncture of the bass and the treble.

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

My suspicion then is that it is broken or cracked inside of the rod. I would try to remove it by punching it out from the other side.

That photo was a tight one. Here's the other side of the loose one.
Other side of Loose L

It jiggles in all directions but doesn't rotate.

Is that other side the loose one or a tight one. (those are incredible photographs)

Does the loose one jiggle from side to side or rotate?

Thanks so much Steven for your help!

I'm not for sure if these are pressure fit or soldered. Here's a photo of the loose one.
Loose L-shaped stand off

Here's a photo of a non-loose one.

Normal L-shaped stand-off

Here's the other side where it goes through if that helps.

Other side of rod

Does anyone have any methods of tightening this?

Others might have better ideas than me. Do they seem to be pressure fit into place or soldered? You might be able to tighten it by "peening" it with a round hammer or possibly a center punch. It's really important that all of the L shaped stand-offs are the same distance from the rod and in line with each other.

Hopefully others will have some more advice how best to get that piece tight again.

Wow, that was easy to remove the rod. That L shaped stand-off nearest to the junction is loose. What would be the best repair for this?

The good thing about that unusual action is that the rods are easy to remove, there will be one of the L shaped stand-offs that is oriented in opposition to the others, if you unscrew the hinge the rods will come off the rail for inspection. If none are broken, test them with some pliers to see if they are loose in the rods.

Thanks. I just looked and the base of the L shaped stand-off nearest to the juncture is discolored and worn looking. The others aren't like this. It's still connected to the hinge and that's screwed in. 

Here's a photo. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4bkacnbzovfmmoq/Lester%20Hinge.jpeg?dl=0

Do you think this is causing the problem? Any ideas for a solution?

There are 5 or 6 of the L shaped stand-offs that connect the rod to the hinges. Look for a broken or loose one, probably near the juncture of the bass and the treble.

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Okay, I'll give that a try tomorrow. I'm wondering what exactly the next steps would be after that. I could try to find a replacement the same size but I imagine it would be difficult fitting it in tightly as well. 

My suspicion then is that it is broken or cracked inside of the rod. I would try to remove it by punching it out from the other side.

That photo was a tight one. Here's the other side of the loose one.
Other side of Loose L

It jiggles in all directions but doesn't rotate.

Is that other side the loose one or a tight one. (those are incredible photographs)

Does the loose one jiggle from side to side or rotate?

Thanks so much Steven for your help!

I'm not for sure if these are pressure fit or soldered. Here's a photo of the loose one.
Loose L-shaped stand off

Here's a photo of a non-loose one.

Normal L-shaped stand-off

Here's the other side where it goes through if that helps.

Other side of rod

Does anyone have any methods of tightening this?

Others might have better ideas than me. Do they seem to be pressure fit into place or soldered? You might be able to tighten it by "peening" it with a round hammer or possibly a center punch. It's really important that all of the L shaped stand-offs are the same distance from the rod and in line with each other.

Hopefully others will have some more advice how best to get that piece tight again.

Wow, that was easy to remove the rod. That L shaped stand-off nearest to the junction is loose. What would be the best repair for this?

The good thing about that unusual action is that the rods are easy to remove, there will be one of the L shaped stand-offs that is oriented in opposition to the others, if you unscrew the hinge the rods will come off the rail for inspection. If none are broken, test them with some pliers to see if they are loose in the rods.

Thanks. I just looked and the base of the L shaped stand-off nearest to the juncture is discolored and worn looking. The others aren't like this. It's still connected to the hinge and that's screwed in. 

Here's a photo. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4bkacnbzovfmmoq/Lester%20Hinge.jpeg?dl=0

Do you think this is causing the problem? Any ideas for a solution?

There are 5 or 6 of the L shaped stand-offs that connect the rod to the hinges. Look for a broken or loose one, probably near the juncture of the bass and the treble.

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

I would punch it out and use liquid metal to fill the hole. after it dries/cures drill the plugged hole or drill a new hole close to the old using a bit a little smaller than the hook. Its critical the hooks are all in a straight line and at even depth. Nancy's  method is also good. You are getting binding because the plane of rotation is not even. 1946 Lester - does it have any plastic parts ?

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Nancy's final method looks to be a proper repair. I've run into only two broken hooks twice, decades ago. My solution was rather ad hoc but seemed to be solid fixes.

I would punch it out and use liquid metal to fill the hole. after it dries/cures drill the plugged hole or drill a new hole close to the old using a bit a little smaller than the hook. Its critical the hooks are all in a straight line and at even depth. Nancy's  method is also good. You are getting binding because the plane of rotation is not even. 1946 Lester - does it have any plastic parts ?

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks everyone! This has been extremely helpful. Glad to know what these actions are called now too.

Unfortunately, I don't have experience in metalwork or the equipment at this point so I'm going to direct the repair to someone who does. 

Nancy's final method looks to be a proper repair. I've run into only two broken hooks twice, decades ago. My solution was rather ad hoc but seemed to be solid fixes.

I would punch it out and use liquid metal to fill the hole. after it dries/cures drill the plugged hole or drill a new hole close to the old using a bit a little smaller than the hook. Its critical the hooks are all in a straight line and at even depth. Nancy's  method is also good. You are getting binding because the plane of rotation is not even. 1946 Lester - does it have any plastic parts ?

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

This also can happen with Steinway sostenuto rods. The u shaped fixture that secures the monkey to the rod can come loose. Once the fixture, the L in the damper rod, is aligned with the others to get even lift, use JB Weld, metal epoxy. Easy and permanent in my experience. 

Thanks everyone! This has been extremely helpful. Glad to know what these actions are called now too.

Unfortunately, I don't have experience in metalwork or the equipment at this point so I'm going to direct the repair to someone who does. 

Nancy's final method looks to be a proper repair. I've run into only two broken hooks twice, decades ago. My solution was rather ad hoc but seemed to be solid fixes.

I would punch it out and use liquid metal to fill the hole. after it dries/cures drill the plugged hole or drill a new hole close to the old using a bit a little smaller than the hook. Its critical the hooks are all in a straight line and at even depth. Nancy's  method is also good. You are getting binding because the plane of rotation is not even. 1946 Lester - does it have any plastic parts ?

Hello, I have an issue with a 1946 Lester console. When pressing the sustain pedal, the treble section dampers lift above the strings normally at the top end but seem to taper down in the middle, barely lifting the the first couple dampers of the bass section then none. The middle pedal only raises the bass section dampers like it's supposed to. 

Originally, I was thinking that the leather in the gap where the damper lift rod connected to the sustain pedal lifts the damper lift rod connected to the middle pedal may have been too old and worn. I thought if I replaced it with something thicker it would help the other rod move up. I haven't fully replaced it yet but I've filled the gap with thicker leather to see if it would work and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Currently, I only have the action rail with the dampers and damper lift rods. When lifting the bass section damper lift rod with my hand at the point where the pedal rod is supposed to, it lifts perfectly fine. When I do the same with the treble/mid section damper lift rod (which is supposed to lift the bass section rod as well), it seems like it isn't capable of rising all the way, or maybe about half as high as the bass section. If I lift the bass section first, I can raise the treble/mid section but it's difficult. There's a lot of resistance and it seems to be coming from when the rod gets closer to the bass section.

All the brackets are screwed in tight. The hinges are bushed. They seem pretty dirty though.

Here's a video. It shows the sustain pedal being pressed. At :016, the middle pedal is being pressed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/civ8vmjhmn1v6ki/1946%20Lester%20-%20Sustain%20Pedal%20then%20Middle%20.mov?dl=0

Here's a picture of the action rail w/dampers/lift rod. It isn't split. Nothing seems bent or warped. The rod hooks are not at the same angle though. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gwm6z1j5sqfvkgi/1946%20Lester%20-%20Full%20.jpeg?dl=0

The piano is unusual to me. The action doesn't screw into the plate. It screws into the action rail with the dampers. Also, the hammers rest on back checks. It's a compact upright though. I'm not sure if there's another name for this other than console. Maybe someone might know if this is just a design flaw for these.

Here's photos of the damper rod hooks if that helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2fiyb4r9fmj7wg/1946%20Lester%20bass%20hook.jpeg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zr07som35n13di/1946%20Lester%20Treble%20hook.jpeg?dl=0

Has anyone here run into this issue? Any ideas for a possible solution? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!