Pianotech

  • 1.  S&S broken sostenuto tab spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-18-2023 12:53
      |   view attached

    Greetings all,

    While working in an S&S L from 1937 (T-nut lyre repair), I noticed a sad, drooping sostenuto tab right in the middle of the range. Any advice for repairing/installing a new spring? I'm not sure whether these parts are are glued or screwed in--didn't get that far into it on that visit because I had other stuff to do.

    I haven't found parts at Steinway or the major suppliers. Does this mean I have to make my own spring?

    My first thought at this point is to simply switch out the part with one from A0 or C88 if possible. Any other ideas?



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    Scott Cole, RPT
    rvpianotuner.com
    Talent, OR
    (541-601-9033
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  • 2.  RE: S&S broken sostenuto tab spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-18-2023 19:55
    Well, the C88 won't have a sostenuto spring,  You may be able to un-pin the top post from both  the broken one and the top most undercover and swap them.  You might find an old under lever, (I have several thousand of them scattered around on old damper trays), and replace it, or you might want to take the spring out and try to duplicate it. 

      You may also want to take a careful look at the sagging tab and see if perhaps the intact spring is there, and has simply had its anchoring "leg" pulled out of place.  If so, it s a simple  matter to just lift it back into place. 
    Regards., 



    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: S&S broken sostenuto tab spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-19-2023 12:57
    I would second Ed’s suggestion that the spring may still be there, but the leg slipped out of place. I have seen this many times.

    Joe Wiencek
    NYC


    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: S&S broken sostenuto tab spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-19-2023 13:39
      |   view attached

    Thanks for suggestions everyone--I'll check a little closer. See the attached photo, which does seem to indicate a broken spring.

    And yes, not sure why I said to move the parts from C8. Duh.....



    ------------------------------
    Scott Cole, RPT
    rvpianotuner.com
    Talent, OR
    (541-601-9033
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: S&S broken sostenuto tab spring

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-19-2023 16:39
    Scott,
    It may not be broken. When the spring slips out of place, the other end can rotate forward. Yes, regardless a closer look is warranted. With any luck, you won’t need to replace it….

    Joe


    Original Message