Pianotech

I recently had an inquiry to help a colleague solve an issue with a Chickering back action. Sorry I don't know the model number but according to the serial number it was built in 1920.  All the damper flanges are stiff and dampers will not return to the rest position. He tried to lube the ones he could reach with no success. The wires are loose in the guide rail bushings.  It looks like the stiffness caused by vertigris by the video he sent me. Has anyone dealt with this successfully? I'd like to talk to someone who's replaced a Chickering back action for pointers, should it come to that.  Apparently the piano has been refinished, restrung with new block, and the action was replaced. The owner likes the piano and is interested in continuing to invest in it. Thanks.

Stewart Freedman

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Stewart Freedman, RPT
Freedman Piano Service
Akron, OH
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I haven't know Chickerings to have verdegris problems. If the piano/soundboard was shot with lacquer, 

it may be that it also got into the centers of the damper flanges. 

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Dave Conte, RPT

Piano Technician in Residence
The University of Tennessee
College of Music
Knoxville TN
(817) 307-5656
Owner: Rocky Top Piano
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Hi Stewart,

Since our company builds keysets, we build and install back actions regularly. Tokiwa, Renner USA and WNG all make good systems. WNG has great tools and documentation on their website. I really like the versatility of the Renner USA kit. You can build it yourself, or we can build the back action for you with a scale stick taken from the backs of the keys.

Best regards,

-Dean

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Dean Reyburn, RPT
Reyburn Pianoworks
Reyburn CyberTuner
1-616-498-9854
dean@reyburn.com
www.reyburnpianoworks.com
www.cybertuner.com
www.reyburntools.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dean.reyburn
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