CAUT

  • 1.  Making sure repetition springs are back in their slots

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-25-2025 11:44

    I love the difference it makes to regulate repetition springs, but I've had trouble lately getting them back securely in their slots, on many different brands. Even though I go back and check with my tool, I'll miss one or two, and it's the worst kind of callback to get.

    At first, I thought my problem was only pulling on the spring to one side when I checked them, but sometimes even pulling to both sides isn't enough. I'm convinced that my testing is destructive: I'm pulling too hard.

    I tried an inspection mirror, and that helps a bit to see if they're all lined up, but of course I can't get a view of the underside of the rep lever.

    Any tips for verifying that they're all securely in place? 

    --Cy-- 



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    Cy Shuster, RPT
    Fairfax, VA
    http://www.shusterpiano.com
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  • 2.  RE: Making sure repetition springs are back in their slots

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-25-2025 11:56
    Assuming you use the Hart tool, when you replace the spring in the groove, hold the side of the tool against the side of the wippen (this should space the spring correctly), and then give it a side to side wiggle before letting go of the spring.

    Another tip is to try to look at the end of the spring while it is still depressed (you need to get your eye in just the right place, and sometimes the geometry makes this difficult to impossible) to see that it is centered. 
    Regards,
    Fred Sturm
    "Believe those who seek the truth; doubt those who find it." Gide




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  • 3.  RE: Making sure repetition springs are back in their slots

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-25-2025 12:10

    I feel your pain, Cy. Since having a similar problem to the one you described, I have adopted this protocol:

    With the Hart tool (my weapon of choice for this operation), put the removed end of the spring under the shoulder (my term) of the repetition lever, but not into the slot (AKA grub). Then, slide the spring end into the grub. Doing it this way, one should be able to both feel and hear it fall into place. 

    This is the most positive confirmation I have been able to come up with, and is particularly helpful for my many novice trainees. The consequences of leaving the spring under the repetition lever shoulder but not in the grub, particularly in a concert situation, are too grave to take any chances with.

    Hope that helps,

    Alan



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    Alan Eder, RPT
    Herb Alpert School of Music
    California Institute of the Arts
    Valencia, CA
    661.904.6483
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Making sure repetition springs are back in their slots

    Posted 06-26-2025 09:06
    HI-

    I second what Fred said. Unfortunately pianos are too often in the darkest corner of the room, but with a proper work light you should be able to see the end of the spring on most pianos.  If ever there is doubt, what I do is let the spring ride along the underside on the lever until I feel it slip into the groove.  Wiggle it a little to confirm and you will never have a problem.  

    best,
    d. 

    Dennis Johnson, R.P.T.
    Facebook.com/johnsonpianoservice
    (612) 599-6437  (cell)



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  • 5.  RE: Making sure repetition springs are back in their slots

    Posted 06-26-2025 14:59
    Get an endoscope, then you see everything. I love mine. Thanks wife!
    -chris




    Original Message