Pianotech

  • 1.  Kawai Sticky Dampers

    Posted 09-15-2022 08:39
    Good Day,

    Has anyone run across Kawai grand sticking dampers?  From a process of elimination (lubing the damper guide rail holes, reaming the holes, lubing the damper lever flanges installing a damp chaser system), a couple of the upper treble  dampers are still sticking in the upright position when played. The Kawai is a little over 30 years old and sits in a humidity filled church, so I was thinking they might benefit from a piano cover that goes all the way to the floor.

    I am thinking that these particular dampers might just need some extra reaming.  I could have been remiss in doing a thorough job the first time.

    Thank you for any ideas you might have about it... 

    Patrick

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    Patrick Greene
    OWNER
    Knoxville TN
    (865) 384-6582
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  • 2.  RE: Kawai Sticky Dampers

    Member
    Posted 09-15-2022 09:11
    I suggest you remove a damper flange and check the friction. If it is too tight remove the center pin, mic it , go up 1/2 size, ream and burnish the bushing, recheck friction with gram gauge . reassemble and test. You can treat the flanges with protek but the effect will not last if it is the center pinning. High humidity is one of the big culprits here. A full length cover is not going to help . There is a need to get better control over the humdity. A dampp-chaser will not fix all of the problems. While you are at it check the tightness of the keys at the balance rail pins. Chances are you need to ease keys, polish and lube keypins, squeeze the key bushings. Check the hammer flanges as well.  Perhaps a  dehumidifier unit or units will get some of the humidity out of the area near the piano. DO NOT put a floor unit under or close to the piano.

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    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    (843) 325-4357
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Kawai Sticky Dampers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-15-2022 11:09
    Patrick,
    You didn't mention if you checked the side play of the damper wire. Is it riding too tight against one side of the guide bushing?
    Roger

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    Roger Gable RPT
    Gable Piano
    Everett WA
    (425) 252-5000
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Kawai Sticky Dampers

    Posted 09-15-2022 13:52
    Thank you James and Roger.  I did not check the side play of the damper wire and it is entirely possible I need to adjust the wire just a bit.  I will check that and also check the friction on the damper flanges to make sure they are not the culprits.  The thing is, the piano was fine for 30 years and then this started..but...we have had a really humid summer..more so than usual.

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    Patrick Greene
    OWNER
    Knoxville TN
    (865) 384-6582
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    Original Message