Pianotech

I've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?

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've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?

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've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?

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've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?

I've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?

I've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?

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                   

I've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?

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                   

I've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?

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                   

I've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?

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                   

I've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?

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                   

I've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?

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                   

I've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?

I've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?

David,

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

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

I've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?

David,

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

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

I've had this problem on a Bos 225 for a few years.  Can't seem to solve it.

On a few of the backchecks (6) there is a clicking noise when the hammer catches.  The noise is evident when you move the backcheck manually back and forth but also comes and goes and is seasonal (summer) which doesn't mean much in San Francisco.  The piano, which does not have a DC installed barely moves in pitch between tunings which suggests that the RH is fairly stable, which it is.  The noise doesn't happen in the winter but starts without fail around June/July and then disappears again in October/November.  

I have tried:

1. Replacing the offending backchecks and wires (Renner).
2. Applied various types glues around the base where wire meets wood.  That includes CA, hide, PVC
3. Removed and secured the heads with similar glue types
4. Removed the wires from the key and reinserted with and without various types of glue. 

I believe the noise is coming from the wire/key contact point because I can make the noise by grabbing wire and moving it back and forth (rather than the backcheck itself).

Considering an exorcism but Father Karras is not available.  

Ideas?