Pianotech

Did a pitch raise and tuning on an old drop-action Baldwin console last week.  One of the sloppiest actions I've ever had the "pleasure" of working with.  No bobbling hammers.  No excessive lost motion.  Repetition is ok for a 2nd year student, but this teen is enthusiastic about the piano, and I'd like to be able to give him something other than this limp, virtually weight-less action to practice with.  The piano has good tone except for a few "tubby" bass strings (which I will investigate further on my next visit), and other than the action and those handful of single wound bass strings, it's in decent shape.  

His Mom just lost her husband, so I'm trying to figure out what the least costly (and labor intensive) way might be to improve this action weight and repetition without pulling the action (rubber grommets) and replacing hammer springs (or otherwise costing them a small fortune).  The key bushings appear slightly swollen, but with as light as the action is (and no sticking or sluggish keys) I'm reluctant to attempt ironing or easing them.  

Perhaps it's impossible with a limited budget, but any economical suggestions for improving repetition (which he'll probably need by his 4th year), and/or giving him some action weight to develop those hands would be much appreciated.  Many spinet actions have light action weight, but I think this one is probably the "sloppiest" I've encountered.  I've never attempted adding key weights before so if that's the best option, any pointers may be helpful.   

Thanks. 

-- Tim

Hi Tim:

I would try adding Jiffy Leads/Weights to the back half of the keys.  They are easily removable if you don't like the effect, and not too expensive.  No need to remove the action, and you can move them around easily.  I usually just glue them on, but they include small screws to make the installation permanent.  Drill small pilot holes if you screw them on, otherwise the screws can split or splinter the key sticks.  Call them bandaids if you wish, but in a low budget situation they do help.
Another thing you could try is to look at the hammer spring rail.  Where it screws to the action brackets, there may be some think punchings in between the rail and the brackets.  You can remove them which will move the rail closer to the hammer butts, and that will add more tension from the springs, and you won't have to replace the springs.  Easily undone if you don't like the result.