Pianotech

Mr. Love,
If it were me, I would look at the block that the back check wire is in bedded in and it's glue joint to the key stick.  I think at that location you have a block of laminated hardwood, glued to a spruce key and with change in seasonal humidity I expect there is a different dimensional change. If there's a small glue void that might cause the noise to come and go. Or you could just call Russell Crowe as he's playing The Pope's Exorcist on Netflix right now..

I'll have to double check, but I looked quickly and I don't think there is a mounting block on this piano at the back of the key.  On the other suggestion, I'll check the balance rail hole when I go back next time but I'm 99% sure that's not it.  The noise is more of a creak than a click, very high pitched not like a rattle that you would expect at the balance rail hole but I get that if the hole were glazed it might make that noise.  I'm pretty sure I've tested that by lubrication and by holding the key securely while I manipulate the back check so that there's no movement at the BR 

My initial thought was that there might be some play in the top of the hole where the wire is inserted and that there is some slight movement there causing the wire to rub against the sides of the slightly enlarged hole which is why I tried filling any gap there but it didn't seem to work no matter what securing agent I used. 

It may remain a mystery for a bit. 

I'll check with Russell Crowe.  Maybe he can do something about CC.  

I'll have to double check, but I looked quickly and I don't think there is a mounting block on this piano at the back of the key.  On the other suggestion, I'll check the balance rail hole when I go back next time but I'm 99% sure that's not it.  The noise is more of a creak than a click, very high pitched not like a rattle that you would expect at the balance rail hole but I get that if the hole were glazed it might make that noise.  I'm pretty sure I've tested that by lubrication and by holding the key securely while I manipulate the back check so that there's no movement at the BR 

My initial thought was that there might be some play in the top of the hole where the wire is inserted and that there is some slight movement there causing the wire to rub against the sides of the slightly enlarged hole which is why I tried filling any gap there but it didn't seem to work no matter what securing agent I used. 

It may remain a mystery for a bit. 

I'll check with Russell Crowe.  Maybe he can do something about CC.  

Mr. Love,
If it were me, I would look at the block that the back check wire is in bedded in and it's glue joint to the key stick.  I think at that location you have a block of laminated hardwood, glued to a spruce key and with change in seasonal humidity I expect there is a different dimensional change. If there's a small glue void that might cause the noise to come and go. Or you could just call Russell Crowe as he's playing The Pope's Exorcist on Netflix right now..

I like Mr Roeder's suggestion but would go one step further and drill a small hole through the mounting block into the key and insert a screw. Try that on a few samples that are making the noise. An alternative is to use small Miller dowels that are tapered and can be cut flush with a Japanese pull saw The dowels and special drill bit can be purchased from Rockler and/or Woodcraft                   

If you listen to the acoustic impedance and determine if its linear or non linear it may assist you.

-chris

I like Mr Roeder's suggestion but would go one step further and drill a small hole through the mounting block into the key and insert a screw. Try that on a few samples that are making the noise. An alternative is to use small Miller dowels that are tapered and can be cut flush with a Japanese pull saw The dowels and special drill bit can be purchased from Rockler and/or Woodcraft                   

It still does it when you pull the action out...yes? If so, that would eliminate possible interference from damper stuff. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

If you listen to the acoustic impedance and determine if its linear or non linear it may assist you.

-chris

I like Mr Roeder's suggestion but would go one step further and drill a small hole through the mounting block into the key and insert a screw. Try that on a few samples that are making the noise. An alternative is to use small Miller dowels that are tapered and can be cut flush with a Japanese pull saw The dowels and special drill bit can be purchased from Rockler and/or Woodcraft                   

If you listen to the acoustic impedance and determine if its linear or non linear it may assist you.

-chris

I like Mr Roeder's suggestion but would go one step further and drill a small hole through the mounting block into the key and insert a screw. Try that on a few samples that are making the noise. An alternative is to use small Miller dowels that are tapered and can be cut flush with a Japanese pull saw The dowels and special drill bit can be purchased from Rockler and/or Woodcraft                   

Chris,

What is linear or non linear acoustic impedance?

If you listen to the acoustic impedance and determine if its linear or non linear it may assist you.

-chris

I like Mr Roeder's suggestion but would go one step further and drill a small hole through the mounting block into the key and insert a screw. Try that on a few samples that are making the noise. An alternative is to use small Miller dowels that are tapered and can be cut flush with a Japanese pull saw The dowels and special drill bit can be purchased from Rockler and/or Woodcraft                   

Roger

LOL  I believe it is Chris's pathetic attempt to make a joke about my previous discussions on hammer selection using soundboard impedance as a one criterium.  He believes, evidently, that impedance is a myth and doesn't exist.  Goes hand in hand with the belief that the universe is only 6000 years old.  but I should let him explain.  

Chris,

What is linear or non linear acoustic impedance?

If you listen to the acoustic impedance and determine if its linear or non linear it may assist you.

-chris

I like Mr Roeder's suggestion but would go one step further and drill a small hole through the mounting block into the key and insert a screw. Try that on a few samples that are making the noise. An alternative is to use small Miller dowels that are tapered and can be cut flush with a Japanese pull saw The dowels and special drill bit can be purchased from Rockler and/or Woodcraft                   

David,

Have you succeeded in solving your problem or is it still as vexing as ever?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

David,

Have you succeeded in solving your problem or is it still as vexing as ever?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor