Pianotech

Patrick,

Did you carefully check if the replacement flanges had dimensional specifications exactly as the original Yamaha? The slightest difference could make for a noticeable touch change. The last time (3 years ago) I purchased Yamaha flanges they were just over a $100 for the set. I'm sure they're more now, but I had no fear the new flanges would seize up due to poor bushing cloth, and I experienced little to no lateral alignment or traveling issues, saving me installation time.

Roger

Patrick,

Did you carefully check if the replacement flanges had dimensional specifications exactly as the original Yamaha? The slightest difference could make for a noticeable touch change. The last time (3 years ago) I purchased Yamaha flanges they were just over a $100 for the set. I'm sure they're more now, but I had no fear the new flanges would seize up due to poor bushing cloth, and I experienced little to no lateral alignment or traveling issues, saving me installation time.

Roger

A simple test would have been to disengage several of the hammer springs and get the customer's opinion.  The new springs may just have been increasing the touch force.

So this is an interesting skill in customer service.

The customer uses words to describe something that concerns them. It is an attempt to name a feeling or sensation.

Step One should be working to understand the words. Can you feel, see or hear something that might be the sensation the customer is trying to communicate?

If not, keep communicating until you both are probably naming the same thing.

Then, as a technician, try to find a mechanical cause for the (now mutually understood) problem.

A simple test would have been to disengage several of the hammer springs and get the customer's opinion.  The new springs may just have been increasing the touch force.

I have also learned (actually still in the process of learning) to warn the client BEFORE doing action work, that it's going to feel a little (at least) different afterwards, and there may be a need to adapt to it.  That way they anticipate a change, rather than be surprised by the change. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

So this is an interesting skill in customer service.

The customer uses words to describe something that concerns them. It is an attempt to name a feeling or sensation.

Step One should be working to understand the words. Can you feel, see or hear something that might be the sensation the customer is trying to communicate?

If not, keep communicating until you both are probably naming the same thing.

Then, as a technician, try to find a mechanical cause for the (now mutually understood) problem.

A simple test would have been to disengage several of the hammer springs and get the customer's opinion.  The new springs may just have been increasing the touch force.

I had this scenario happen to me.  One trick that was slightly helpful was to reach in and, using finger pressure I tweaked each spring down to reduce their force.  It did seem to lower the playing resistance by a gram or two.

I have also learned (actually still in the process of learning) to warn the client BEFORE doing action work, that it's going to feel a little (at least) different afterwards, and there may be a need to adapt to it.  That way they anticipate a change, rather than be surprised by the change. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

So this is an interesting skill in customer service.

The customer uses words to describe something that concerns them. It is an attempt to name a feeling or sensation.

Step One should be working to understand the words. Can you feel, see or hear something that might be the sensation the customer is trying to communicate?

If not, keep communicating until you both are probably naming the same thing.

Then, as a technician, try to find a mechanical cause for the (now mutually understood) problem.

I had this scenario happen to me.  One trick that was slightly helpful was to reach in and, using finger pressure I tweaked each spring down to reduce their force.  It did seem to lower the playing resistance by a gram or two.

I have also learned (actually still in the process of learning) to warn the client BEFORE doing action work, that it's going to feel a little (at least) different afterwards, and there may be a need to adapt to it.  That way they anticipate a change, rather than be surprised by the change. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

So this is an interesting skill in customer service.

The customer uses words to describe something that concerns them. It is an attempt to name a feeling or sensation.

Step One should be working to understand the words. Can you feel, see or hear something that might be the sensation the customer is trying to communicate?

If not, keep communicating until you both are probably naming the same thing.

Then, as a technician, try to find a mechanical cause for the (now mutually understood) problem.

A simple test would have been to disengage several of the hammer springs and get the customer's opinion.  The new springs may just have been increasing the touch force.

I do two or three butt spring loop repairs a year. I find it FAR easier to buy the cord from Yamaha and replace the cord loop instead of the entire flange. Every time I have gone the flange route I have had to spend extra time repinning as they're always too tight. Replacing the cord is not that difficult a job. 

I had this scenario happen to me.  One trick that was slightly helpful was to reach in and, using finger pressure I tweaked each spring down to reduce their force.  It did seem to lower the playing resistance by a gram or two.

I have also learned (actually still in the process of learning) to warn the client BEFORE doing action work, that it's going to feel a little (at least) different afterwards, and there may be a need to adapt to it.  That way they anticipate a change, rather than be surprised by the change. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

So this is an interesting skill in customer service.

The customer uses words to describe something that concerns them. It is an attempt to name a feeling or sensation.

Step One should be working to understand the words. Can you feel, see or hear something that might be the sensation the customer is trying to communicate?

If not, keep communicating until you both are probably naming the same thing.

Then, as a technician, try to find a mechanical cause for the (now mutually understood) problem.

A simple test would have been to disengage several of the hammer springs and get the customer's opinion.  The new springs may just have been increasing the touch force.

I do two or three butt spring loop repairs a year. I find it FAR easier to buy the cord from Yamaha and replace the cord loop instead of the entire flange. Every time I have gone the flange route I have had to spend extra time repinning as they're always too tight. Replacing the cord is not that difficult a job. 

I had this scenario happen to me.  One trick that was slightly helpful was to reach in and, using finger pressure I tweaked each spring down to reduce their force.  It did seem to lower the playing resistance by a gram or two.

I have also learned (actually still in the process of learning) to warn the client BEFORE doing action work, that it's going to feel a little (at least) different afterwards, and there may be a need to adapt to it.  That way they anticipate a change, rather than be surprised by the change. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

So this is an interesting skill in customer service.

The customer uses words to describe something that concerns them. It is an attempt to name a feeling or sensation.

Step One should be working to understand the words. Can you feel, see or hear something that might be the sensation the customer is trying to communicate?

If not, keep communicating until you both are probably naming the same thing.

Then, as a technician, try to find a mechanical cause for the (now mutually understood) problem.

I do two or three butt spring loop repairs a year. I find it FAR easier to buy the cord from Yamaha and replace the cord loop instead of the entire flange. Every time I have gone the flange route I have had to spend extra time repinning as they're always too tight. Replacing the cord is not that difficult a job. 

I had this scenario happen to me.  One trick that was slightly helpful was to reach in and, using finger pressure I tweaked each spring down to reduce their force.  It did seem to lower the playing resistance by a gram or two.

I have also learned (actually still in the process of learning) to warn the client BEFORE doing action work, that it's going to feel a little (at least) different afterwards, and there may be a need to adapt to it.  That way they anticipate a change, rather than be surprised by the change. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

So this is an interesting skill in customer service.

The customer uses words to describe something that concerns them. It is an attempt to name a feeling or sensation.

Step One should be working to understand the words. Can you feel, see or hear something that might be the sensation the customer is trying to communicate?

If not, keep communicating until you both are probably naming the same thing.

Then, as a technician, try to find a mechanical cause for the (now mutually understood) problem.

A simple test would have been to disengage several of the hammer springs and get the customer's opinion.  The new springs may just have been increasing the touch force.

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

Elisha-

That is a wonderful way to replace the cords.

Anyone who does this job needs to know about this.

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/

Thank you, Ed. 

I'm sure many of you, with your woodworking, 3D printing, or CNC capabilities, could refine this prototype further and make better jig for yourself. 

Elisha-

That is a wonderful way to replace the cords.

Anyone who does this job needs to know about this.

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/

Hi Elisha,

if i saw your video correctly, you were using your method on a Yamaha with the detachable hammer butts, so they could be moved out of the way. How would your method work on actions where the hammer butts remain pinned to the flange? 

Thank you, Ed. 

I'm sure many of you, with your woodworking, 3D printing, or CNC capabilities, could refine this prototype further and make better jig for yourself. 

Elisha-

That is a wonderful way to replace the cords.

Anyone who does this job needs to know about this.

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

Your jig is quite fantastic, Elisha. I'm gonna make one. Do you have a special way of cleaning the old cords out of the slots, too?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 03-10-2026 17:49
From: Elisha Katamura
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2026 01:32
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

Your jig is quite fantastic, Elisha. I'm gonna make one. Do you have a special way of cleaning the old cords out of the slots, too?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA


Original Message:
Sent: 03-10-2026 17:49
From: Elisha Katamura
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/

Elisha,

Nice work! 

Do you use the dowel or cardboard method for cutting your strings to length, or do you have another (cooler) method? 😉 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2026 02:09
From: Elisha Katamura
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2026 01:32
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

Your jig is quite fantastic, Elisha. I'm gonna make one. Do you have a special way of cleaning the old cords out of the slots, too?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA


Original Message:
Sent: 03-10-2026 17:49
From: Elisha Katamura
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/

Hi Peter,

I've tried all sorts of improvised methods, but I've found that a 1/2" dowel works best. As shown in one of the videos I posted (not my works), using masking tape helps avoid messy cord management. Wrap the cord about 90 turns, tape it, and then cut.

Screenshot image is from that video. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2026 08:37
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

Elisha,

Nice work! 

Do you use the dowel or cardboard method for cutting your strings to length, or do you have another (cooler) method? 😉 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2026 02:09
From: Elisha Katamura
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2026 01:32
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

Your jig is quite fantastic, Elisha. I'm gonna make one. Do you have a special way of cleaning the old cords out of the slots, too?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Hi Peter,

I've tried all sorts of improvised methods, but I've found that a 1/2" dowel works best. As shown in one of the videos I posted (not my works), using masking tape helps avoid messy cord management. Wrap the cord about 90 turns, tape it, and then cut.

Screenshot image is from that video. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2026 08:37
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

Elisha,

Nice work! 

Do you use the dowel or cardboard method for cutting your strings to length, or do you have another (cooler) method? 😉 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com


Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2026 02:09
From: Elisha Katamura
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2026 01:32
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

Your jig is quite fantastic, Elisha. I'm gonna make one. Do you have a special way of cleaning the old cords out of the slots, too?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA


Original Message:
Sent: 03-10-2026 17:49
From: Elisha Katamura
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2026 01:32
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

Your jig is quite fantastic, Elisha. I'm gonna make one. Do you have a special way of cleaning the old cords out of the slots, too?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2026 01:32
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

Your jig is quite fantastic, Elisha. I'm gonna make one. Do you have a special way of cleaning the old cords out of the slots, too?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA


Original Message:
Sent: 03-10-2026 17:49
From: Elisha Katamura
Subject: Replacing Yamaha hammer butt flanges

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/