Pianotech

  • 1.  Old Steinway Wippens

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-21-2023 01:38

    I anticipate being asked to 'improve' the regulation of an 1898 Steinway A with original wippens - old style where there is no jack adjustment screw. I recall seeing advice from long ago that talked about using slivers of wood (or something like that) to expand the felt that the jack rests on in order to get the jack in proper regulation to the knuckle. Has anyone done this lately? Methodology?

    Thanks!



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    David Trasoff
    Whatcom Piano Service
    (360) 389-2158
    david@whatcompianoservice.com
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  • 2.  RE: Old Steinway Wippens

    Member
    Posted 04-21-2023 08:52

    search on the term "non adjustable jacks". Don Maninno  had a reply in 2021 on how to shim felt and the knuckle- however on a piano this old partsm replacement may be the best course



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    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    (843) 325-4357
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  • 3.  RE: Old Steinway Wippens

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-21-2023 14:23
    James,

    Thanks for the reference - I’ll check out Don’s advice. A complete rebuild on this piano, beyond replacing the wippens (already a considerable expense) would certainly be the best course of action, but doesn’t seem likely.