Pianotech

  • 1.  Extra damper lever

    Member
    Posted 09-05-2025 09:29

    I recently had this action out of an old P202 and noticed a stray damper lever way up in the treble.  Is this a courtesy spare damper lever provided by Yamaha?  



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    Luke Taylor
    Duarte CA
    (310) 386-7014
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  • 2.  RE: Extra damper lever

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-05-2025 10:13

    Probably lifter rod return assist 



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    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
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  • 3.  RE: Extra damper lever

    Member
    Posted 09-05-2025 17:46

    That makes much more sense.  Thanks for chiming in, Larry.



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    Luke Taylor
    Duarte CA
    (310) 386-7014
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  • 4.  RE: Extra damper lever

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-06-2025 11:36

    Hi Luke,

    Some manufacturers referred to that as a "dummy damper". You will note that there's no damper wire and that the return spring is much heavier than normal damper flanges. The purpose was to provide constant, firm pressure against the damper rod when at rest. These are often found at the break between the bass and treble sections (above the highest bass damper) and sometimes at the treble end as you found. I have even seen them below the lowest bass damper but that's exceedingly rare.

    Great question!

    AG



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    Allan Gilreath, RPT
    Registered Piano Technician & President
    Allan Gilreath & Associates, Inc
    Calhoun, GA
    706-602-7667
    allan@allangilreath.com - www.allangilreath.com
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