Removing all the dampers and reinstalling them is not that daunting (in order to repair your broken underlever). Assuming the existing wire bending is adequate and the tray is in otherwise good shape, you can have them all reinstalled in well under an hour, and it only takes a few minutes to remove them all. The only aspect that's going to take some time is the repair of the underlever, and that job will be much easier to perform if you have it in your hands on a workbench.
David G. Hughes, RPT
Original Message:
Sent: 03-13-2026 17:18
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Bluthner Aliquot Grand Damper Post
Stephen,
If you are unable to adequately get to as it is, I see no other alternative than to remove the damper system entirely. Then you can get to it. Considering the fact that the piano is 125 years old and lived three standard lifetimes, I'd say its given pretty good service and has outlived its design. Owner needs to realize this.
Owner also needs to realize that (just like certain automobiles) sometimes things have to be dismantled to simply get to one part (oil filter?). Otherwise its CA glue and a rubber band. You haven't got many choices. In fact it would sort of seem that the previous repair was something along that line, and now you're back to square one.
If necessary, it should not be too difficult to make a replacement part once you get things apart. OTOH, a bunch of Bluthners were destroyed in the flooding a couple years ago (or last year?) and possibly a donor could be found. Still need to pull it apart though. Good time to recon the whole thing.
Peter Grey Piano Doctor
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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 03-13-2026 10:35
From: Stephen Snyder
Subject: Bluthner Aliquot Grand Damper Post
Hi David,
I was hoping that I could just remove the 1 damaged damper post which is attached with a center pin without having to remove all of the underlevers. Someone used a lot
of glue to try and make some kind of repair. If I can remove all of the glue I should be able to get the center pin out and replace the damper post. The under lever looks fine.
Steve
Stephen Snyder, RPT
342 Scott Lake Road
Salem, NY 12865
518-854-3888 (home office)
518-321-3813 (mobile)
shsnyder440@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 3/13/2026 9:04:00 AM
From: David Hughes
Subject: RE: Bluthner Aliquot Grand Damper Post
Stephen,
We can't tell too much from these photos. This offered, I would say you're going to have to get the underlever in your hands at a workbench to address the problem, and in order to do that I believe (in a Bluthner) you're going to have to remove all the dampers to then withdraw the damper tray from the action cavity. I believe Bluthner damper trays of that vintage have glued-on underlevers at the rear of the tray - they are not individually screwed to the tray to permit easy removal.
David G. Hughes, RPT
Baltimore Chapter
.
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David Hughes RPT
Vintage Case Parts
Glyndon MD
(443) 522-2201
Original Message:
Sent: 03-13-2026 08:52
From: Stephen Snyder
Subject: Bluthner Aliquot Grand Damper Post
Hi David
Sorry, I thought I had attached these'd photos
All the best,
Steve
Stephen Snyder
342 Scott Lake Road
Salem, NY 12865
518-854-3888 (home office)
518-321-3813 (mobile)
shsnyder440@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 3/13/2026 8:45:00 AM
From: David Hughes
Subject: RE: Bluthner Aliquot Grand Damper Post
Stephen,
Could you define "damper post"?
David G. Hughes, RPT
Baltimore Chapter
------------------------------
David Hughes RPT
Vintage Case Parts
Glyndon MD
(443) 522-2201
Original Message:
Sent: 03-12-2026 15:25
From: Stephen Snyder
Subject: Bluthner Aliquot Grand Damper Post
I recently serviced a Bluthner Aliquot Grand from 1901.
I am looking for 1 damper post. The original repair attempt that someone tried obviously didn't work to well.
All the best,
Steve
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[Stephen] [Snyder] [RPT
[Salem] [NY]
[518-854-3888
[518-321-3813
[shsnyder440@gmail.com
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