Pianotech

  • 1.  U1 practice mute issues

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-06-2022 00:56
    Hi all,
    I've adjusted many practice mute systems, but I ran into one today that stumped me. It's a 1980 U1.
    The customer reported a key was stuck down, and I saw some hammers were getting stuck on the mute felt.

    Easy, right? Just crank up the turnbuckle enough so the felt clears the hammers? Nope.

    When I had the felt just clearing the hammers, two things would happen:
    1. The mute felt now wouldn't go low enough to have any effect and
    2. The turnbuckle rods were getting so loose I was afraid the whole thing would start to rattle under normal playing.

    A little trimming of felt or some adjustment has always did the trick, but something else is wrong here. I'm just not sure what.

    Anyone else had problems getting these adjusted just right? I've worked on a bazillion of these things and never had a problem.

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    Scott Cole, RPT
    rvpianotuner.com
    Talent, OR
    (541-601-9033
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  • 2.  RE: U1 practice mute issues

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-06-2022 06:15
    There is a good chance the metal brackets are bent, particularly the one on the treble side.

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    Maggie Jusiel, RPT
    Athens, WV
    (304)952-8615
    mags@timandmaggie.net
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  • 3.  RE: U1 practice mute issues

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-06-2022 07:31
    The dimple in the arm must be set in the hole of the rail. I'm embarrassed to say it is only recently that I noticed...


    5A1E88F6-BD4C-4D14-9F18-5D5B14942416_1_105_c.jpeg


    Allan Sutton, m.mus. RPT
    www.pianotechniquemontreal.com





  • 4.  RE: U1 practice mute issues

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-06-2022 08:17
    Scott

    Look at where the mute rail is connected to the arm bracket that goes into the wood on the left side. There is a screw that needs to be tight and the bracket and arm have to fit into each other properly. 

    Wim





  • 5.  RE: U1 practice mute issues

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-07-2022 14:40
    Scott,
    You can check the spring on the bass side. Sometimes these do wear out, and after 42 years even more so. Replace it and that just might solve the issue if everything else is aligned.

    Joe Wiencek