Pianotech

I figured I'd start a new thread here rather than interject it into the other Steinway thread already under way.

1970 Model L here, accel action. I am measuring an action spread of 113mm bass - 113.5mm treble. The .5mm variation does not concern me. What does concern me is that the data I have for action spread is more like 112mm. Fractionally the spec sheet I have from SS says 4 25/64". 

Anyone know if there was a change in this spec with Teflon action, which this is (mostly)? What is the history here?  And BTW, the jack/knuckle core relationship is actually at 90°. I'm just puzzled by this seeming discrepancy. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Mr Grey,

Pre 1984 the action spread was nominally  4.381" or 111.3 mm also known as 4 3/8".

Post 1984 it changed to 4.395" or 111.6mm also known as 4 25/64".

I don't recall ever finding one where these distances prevailed. I think the discrepancy may have more to do with the manufacture of the repetition flange and the hammershank flange. The way the rails were soldered in also added a lot of variation.

The distances you mention don't seem like they would cause much of a problem.

Karl, 

Yes  we're talking essentially 1mm. And...it seems to me from what I'm observing at present that if I were to change it to 112 or less (e.g., tilting the whippen flanges) I would actually end up increasing the leverage which would increase the touchweight, etc etc. So I guess...if it ain't broke don't fix it. 

After I restring it I still have the clear option of replacing shanks and hammers, which if I did, I would use WNG and likely Ronsen. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

FWIW The current victim errrrr.. project on my workbench is a model B from 1979. With the original parts (teflon) the spread is112.1 mm. With new Steinway (Renner) parts the spread is 113.3 mm. All in all, not nearly the problem that a bad action ratio mentioned in the other Steinway, thread poses on this one.