Pianotech

  • 1.  Replacing missing grand pedal spring

    Member
    Posted 08-10-2023 06:38

    Hello, 

    I have what seems like a straightforward repair, but wanted to get some advice/confirmation before I find out how many ways I can be wrong.

    I have a customer with a Yamaha G2.  The spring for the damper pedal trap-work lever is missing/lost. All that is there is the empty inset hole for it.  At Schaff I was able to find 3 springs with no further description-

    Steinway damper spring 1201

    Spring 7" for wire cutters 227-1/2B

    Spring 5 1/2 for wire cutters 227-1/2A

    Would one of these be intended as replacement for the pedal spring?  Is it expected you should be cutting a spring to fit?  And if that's the case, can I use a compression spring that fits the hole from a hardware store (since I don't need any other supplies at the moment).  And is it usually just the bare spring in the empty hole, or is their anything used buffer either point of contact (typically I always encounter these in place and working so I haven't examined- I don't own a grand).

    So hopefully I simplify insert a new spring to replace the missing one.   I just want to avoid a  result that's too strong, too weak, or noisy.

    Grateful for any advice or reassurance on this task.  Thanks in advance !

    Kevin



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    Kevin Karr
    njpianotech.com
    Belmar NJ
    (732) 841-0267
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  • 2.  RE: Replacing missing grand pedal spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-10-2023 06:54
    I would suggest you email Yamaha. They should be able to sell you the exact spring you need. 

    Dave Durbin has retired, but maybe they will send emails to whomever took his place. Ddurben@yamaha.com.  

    Wim






  • 3.  RE: Replacing missing grand pedal spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-10-2023 11:08

    Yamaha tech support: 714-522-9980 



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    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
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  • 4.  RE: Replacing missing grand pedal spring

    Member
    Posted 08-10-2023 12:44

    Thank you both!



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    Kevin Karr
    njpianotech.com
    Belmar NJ
    (732) 841-0267
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Replacing missing grand pedal spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-10-2023 18:50

    One thing to consider is that some clients prefer a very light pedal. On at least a couple of occasions, I've experimented with removing the spring altogether to see how the client responds and they've liked it.  Some systems will function fine without the spring. However, many times, the trap lever needs a slight push to ensure that the damper tray firmly rests below the damper levers.

    Perhaps the spring fell out during a move, but it might have also been intentionally removed by a technician at some point. Additionally, having a few springs from the hardware store that fit into the recess and have varying strengths can provide you with options to customize the feel for your client. It's also relatively easy to retrofit a leaf spring, which can offer a lot of control over the tension depending on where you position it and how strong the spring is.

    By the way, if in the future anyone decides to experiment with removing the original spring, it's a good idea to tape it to the bottom of the piano near the trap work so that it will be easy to find and install again in the future if needed. 

    Best of luck!



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    Ryan Sowers RPT
    Olympia WA
    (360) 480-5648
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Replacing missing grand pedal spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-10-2023 19:04
    If I recall correctly, doesn't the Yamaha trap spring have an end that sticks into the hole in the bottom of the hole?  Seems I like I remember something to that effect. Or was that on another piano?



    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Replacing missing grand pedal spring

    Member
    Posted 08-10-2023 19:49

    In this case, the owners husband moved the piano himself.  When it was set up it felt "different".  She was happy to find out it could be restored.  On this piano it really feels like nothing.  Interesting to hear that this is something that can be used to tailor to the players preference.  This one would need some better cloth to make it less noisy at the bottom.

    P.S. thoroughly enjoyed your classes in DC.  Put a lot into practice the last 2 weeks.  



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    Kevin Karr
    njpianotech.com
    Belmar NJ
    (732) 841-0267
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Replacing missing grand pedal spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-11-2023 08:11
    Hi, Kevin,

    Possible options: automotive valve springs, leaf springs.

    Bob Anderson, RPT
    Tucson, AZ