Pianotech

I will be doing an action service on a 1970 Baldwin L, very good overall condition, which had the whippens, shanks and flanges, and hammers replaced 15 years ago  with "all Renner parts." The hammers appear to be Renner Blue Points. The owner complains that the piano has become very tiring to play after after 30-45 minutes (at least partly her health issues). Action geometry and key reweighting are not going to be addressed, at least at this time. I need to do what can be done to make playing feel "lighter" within the parameters of the current setup. Basic regulation is well within proper limits. I will check all of the usual friction points, clean and lubricate balance rail pins (the keys already move freely), check hammer flange pinning and correct where needed, probably use CLP or similar on all the action centers (there is no evidence of verdigris). What else? I definitely have room to move the hammer line a couple of mm closer to the strings. Damper lift off the key end is quite low, around 2mm. I could raise damper lift to 1/2 key travel, 5mm, that should make a noticeable difference. The hammers are quite worn, so they will get a pretty heavy filing; that should help. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!!

------------------------------
David Trasoff
Whatcom Piano Service
(360) 389-2158
david@whatcompianoservice.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 2/21/2026 2:38:00 PM
From: David Trasoff
Subject: 1970 Baldwin L, owner complains of a "heavy touch"

I will be doing an action service on a 1970 Baldwin L, very good overall condition, which had the whippens, shanks and flanges, and hammers replaced 15 years ago  with "all Renner parts." The hammers appear to be Renner Blue Points. The owner complains that the piano has become very tiring to play after after 30-45 minutes (at least partly her health issues). Action geometry and key reweighting are not going to be addressed, at least at this time. I need to do what can be done to make playing feel "lighter" within the parameters of the current setup. Basic regulation is well within proper limits. I will check all of the usual friction points, clean and lubricate balance rail pins (the keys already move freely), check hammer flange pinning and correct where needed, probably use CLP or similar on all the action centers (there is no evidence of verdigris). What else? I definitely have room to move the hammer line a couple of mm closer to the strings. Damper lift off the key end is quite low, around 2mm. I could raise damper lift to 1/2 key travel, 5mm, that should make a noticeable difference. The hammers are quite worn, so they will get a pretty heavy filing; that should help. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!!

------------------------------
David Trasoff
Whatcom Piano Service
(360) 389-2158
david@whatcompianoservice.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 2/21/2026 2:38:00 PM
From: David Trasoff
Subject: 1970 Baldwin L, owner complains of a "heavy touch"

I will be doing an action service on a 1970 Baldwin L, very good overall condition, which had the whippens, shanks and flanges, and hammers replaced 15 years ago  with "all Renner parts." The hammers appear to be Renner Blue Points. The owner complains that the piano has become very tiring to play after after 30-45 minutes (at least partly her health issues). Action geometry and key reweighting are not going to be addressed, at least at this time. I need to do what can be done to make playing feel "lighter" within the parameters of the current setup. Basic regulation is well within proper limits. I will check all of the usual friction points, clean and lubricate balance rail pins (the keys already move freely), check hammer flange pinning and correct where needed, probably use CLP or similar on all the action centers (there is no evidence of verdigris). What else? I definitely have room to move the hammer line a couple of mm closer to the strings. Damper lift off the key end is quite low, around 2mm. I could raise damper lift to 1/2 key travel, 5mm, that should make a noticeable difference. The hammers are quite worn, so they will get a pretty heavy filing; that should help. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!!

------------------------------
David Trasoff
Whatcom Piano Service
(360) 389-2158
david@whatcompianoservice.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 2/21/2026 2:38:00 PM
From: David Trasoff
Subject: 1970 Baldwin L, owner complains of a "heavy touch"

I will be doing an action service on a 1970 Baldwin L, very good overall condition, which had the whippens, shanks and flanges, and hammers replaced 15 years ago  with "all Renner parts." The hammers appear to be Renner Blue Points. The owner complains that the piano has become very tiring to play after after 30-45 minutes (at least partly her health issues). Action geometry and key reweighting are not going to be addressed, at least at this time. I need to do what can be done to make playing feel "lighter" within the parameters of the current setup. Basic regulation is well within proper limits. I will check all of the usual friction points, clean and lubricate balance rail pins (the keys already move freely), check hammer flange pinning and correct where needed, probably use CLP or similar on all the action centers (there is no evidence of verdigris). What else? I definitely have room to move the hammer line a couple of mm closer to the strings. Damper lift off the key end is quite low, around 2mm. I could raise damper lift to 1/2 key travel, 5mm, that should make a noticeable difference. The hammers are quite worn, so they will get a pretty heavy filing; that should help. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!!

------------------------------
David Trasoff
Whatcom Piano Service
(360) 389-2158
david@whatcompianoservice.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 2/21/2026 2:38:00 PM
From: David Trasoff
Subject: 1970 Baldwin L, owner complains of a "heavy touch"

I will be doing an action service on a 1970 Baldwin L, very good overall condition, which had the whippens, shanks and flanges, and hammers replaced 15 years ago  with "all Renner parts." The hammers appear to be Renner Blue Points. The owner complains that the piano has become very tiring to play after after 30-45 minutes (at least partly her health issues). Action geometry and key reweighting are not going to be addressed, at least at this time. I need to do what can be done to make playing feel "lighter" within the parameters of the current setup. Basic regulation is well within proper limits. I will check all of the usual friction points, clean and lubricate balance rail pins (the keys already move freely), check hammer flange pinning and correct where needed, probably use CLP or similar on all the action centers (there is no evidence of verdigris). What else? I definitely have room to move the hammer line a couple of mm closer to the strings. Damper lift off the key end is quite low, around 2mm. I could raise damper lift to 1/2 key travel, 5mm, that should make a noticeable difference. The hammers are quite worn, so they will get a pretty heavy filing; that should help. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!!

------------------------------
David Trasoff
Whatcom Piano Service
(360) 389-2158
david@whatcompianoservice.com
------------------------------

I will be doing an action service on a 1970 Baldwin L, very good overall condition, which had the whippens, shanks and flanges, and hammers replaced 15 years ago  with "all Renner parts." The hammers appear to be Renner Blue Points. The owner complains that the piano has become very tiring to play after after 30-45 minutes (at least partly her health issues). Action geometry and key reweighting are not going to be addressed, at least at this time. I need to do what can be done to make playing feel "lighter" within the parameters of the current setup. Basic regulation is well within proper limits. I will check all of the usual friction points, clean and lubricate balance rail pins (the keys already move freely), check hammer flange pinning and correct where needed, probably use CLP or similar on all the action centers (there is no evidence of verdigris). What else? I definitely have room to move the hammer line a couple of mm closer to the strings. Damper lift off the key end is quite low, around 2mm. I could raise damper lift to 1/2 key travel, 5mm, that should make a noticeable difference. The hammers are quite worn, so they will get a pretty heavy filing; that should help. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!!

I will be doing an action service on a 1970 Baldwin L, very good overall condition, which had the whippens, shanks and flanges, and hammers replaced 15 years ago  with "all Renner parts." The hammers appear to be Renner Blue Points. The owner complains that the piano has become very tiring to play after after 30-45 minutes (at least partly her health issues). Action geometry and key reweighting are not going to be addressed, at least at this time. I need to do what can be done to make playing feel "lighter" within the parameters of the current setup. Basic regulation is well within proper limits. I will check all of the usual friction points, clean and lubricate balance rail pins (the keys already move freely), check hammer flange pinning and correct where needed, probably use CLP or similar on all the action centers (there is no evidence of verdigris). What else? I definitely have room to move the hammer line a couple of mm closer to the strings. Damper lift off the key end is quite low, around 2mm. I could raise damper lift to 1/2 key travel, 5mm, that should make a noticeable difference. The hammers are quite worn, so they will get a pretty heavy filing; that should help. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!!

I also like to "bolster" the whippen cloth with thin bushing cloth about 1/8" - 5/32" wide, assuming you can get underneath it. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

I will be doing an action service on a 1970 Baldwin L, very good overall condition, which had the whippens, shanks and flanges, and hammers replaced 15 years ago  with "all Renner parts." The hammers appear to be Renner Blue Points. The owner complains that the piano has become very tiring to play after after 30-45 minutes (at least partly her health issues). Action geometry and key reweighting are not going to be addressed, at least at this time. I need to do what can be done to make playing feel "lighter" within the parameters of the current setup. Basic regulation is well within proper limits. I will check all of the usual friction points, clean and lubricate balance rail pins (the keys already move freely), check hammer flange pinning and correct where needed, probably use CLP or similar on all the action centers (there is no evidence of verdigris). What else? I definitely have room to move the hammer line a couple of mm closer to the strings. Damper lift off the key end is quite low, around 2mm. I could raise damper lift to 1/2 key travel, 5mm, that should make a noticeable difference. The hammers are quite worn, so they will get a pretty heavy filing; that should help. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!!

Why not refelt the whippen cushions?

I also like to "bolster" the whippen cloth with thin bushing cloth about 1/8" - 5/32" wide, assuming you can get underneath it. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

I will be doing an action service on a 1970 Baldwin L, very good overall condition, which had the whippens, shanks and flanges, and hammers replaced 15 years ago  with "all Renner parts." The hammers appear to be Renner Blue Points. The owner complains that the piano has become very tiring to play after after 30-45 minutes (at least partly her health issues). Action geometry and key reweighting are not going to be addressed, at least at this time. I need to do what can be done to make playing feel "lighter" within the parameters of the current setup. Basic regulation is well within proper limits. I will check all of the usual friction points, clean and lubricate balance rail pins (the keys already move freely), check hammer flange pinning and correct where needed, probably use CLP or similar on all the action centers (there is no evidence of verdigris). What else? I definitely have room to move the hammer line a couple of mm closer to the strings. Damper lift off the key end is quite low, around 2mm. I could raise damper lift to 1/2 key travel, 5mm, that should make a noticeable difference. The hammers are quite worn, so they will get a pretty heavy filing; that should help. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!!

Why not refelt the whippen cushions?

I also like to "bolster" the whippen cloth with thin bushing cloth about 1/8" - 5/32" wide, assuming you can get underneath it. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

I will be doing an action service on a 1970 Baldwin L, very good overall condition, which had the whippens, shanks and flanges, and hammers replaced 15 years ago  with "all Renner parts." The hammers appear to be Renner Blue Points. The owner complains that the piano has become very tiring to play after after 30-45 minutes (at least partly her health issues). Action geometry and key reweighting are not going to be addressed, at least at this time. I need to do what can be done to make playing feel "lighter" within the parameters of the current setup. Basic regulation is well within proper limits. I will check all of the usual friction points, clean and lubricate balance rail pins (the keys already move freely), check hammer flange pinning and correct where needed, probably use CLP or similar on all the action centers (there is no evidence of verdigris). What else? I definitely have room to move the hammer line a couple of mm closer to the strings. Damper lift off the key end is quite low, around 2mm. I could raise damper lift to 1/2 key travel, 5mm, that should make a noticeable difference. The hammers are quite worn, so they will get a pretty heavy filing; that should help. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!!

I will be doing an action service on a 1970 Baldwin L, very good overall condition, which had the whippens, shanks and flanges, and hammers replaced 15 years ago  with "all Renner parts." The hammers appear to be Renner Blue Points. The owner complains that the piano has become very tiring to play after after 30-45 minutes (at least partly her health issues). Action geometry and key reweighting are not going to be addressed, at least at this time. I need to do what can be done to make playing feel "lighter" within the parameters of the current setup. Basic regulation is well within proper limits. I will check all of the usual friction points, clean and lubricate balance rail pins (the keys already move freely), check hammer flange pinning and correct where needed, probably use CLP or similar on all the action centers (there is no evidence of verdigris). What else? I definitely have room to move the hammer line a couple of mm closer to the strings. Damper lift off the key end is quite low, around 2mm. I could raise damper lift to 1/2 key travel, 5mm, that should make a noticeable difference. The hammers are quite worn, so they will get a pretty heavy filing; that should help. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!!

I will be doing an action service on a 1970 Baldwin L, very good overall condition, which had the whippens, shanks and flanges, and hammers replaced 15 years ago  with "all Renner parts." The hammers appear to be Renner Blue Points. The owner complains that the piano has become very tiring to play after after 30-45 minutes (at least partly her health issues). Action geometry and key reweighting are not going to be addressed, at least at this time. I need to do what can be done to make playing feel "lighter" within the parameters of the current setup. Basic regulation is well within proper limits. I will check all of the usual friction points, clean and lubricate balance rail pins (the keys already move freely), check hammer flange pinning and correct where needed, probably use CLP or similar on all the action centers (there is no evidence of verdigris). What else? I definitely have room to move the hammer line a couple of mm closer to the strings. Damper lift off the key end is quite low, around 2mm. I could raise damper lift to 1/2 key travel, 5mm, that should make a noticeable difference. The hammers are quite worn, so they will get a pretty heavy filing; that should help. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!!

I will be doing an action service on a 1970 Baldwin L, very good overall condition, which had the whippens, shanks and flanges, and hammers replaced 15 years ago  with "all Renner parts." The hammers appear to be Renner Blue Points. The owner complains that the piano has become very tiring to play after after 30-45 minutes (at least partly her health issues). Action geometry and key reweighting are not going to be addressed, at least at this time. I need to do what can be done to make playing feel "lighter" within the parameters of the current setup. Basic regulation is well within proper limits. I will check all of the usual friction points, clean and lubricate balance rail pins (the keys already move freely), check hammer flange pinning and correct where needed, probably use CLP or similar on all the action centers (there is no evidence of verdigris). What else? I definitely have room to move the hammer line a couple of mm closer to the strings. Damper lift off the key end is quite low, around 2mm. I could raise damper lift to 1/2 key travel, 5mm, that should make a noticeable difference. The hammers are quite worn, so they will get a pretty heavy filing; that should help. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!!