There are many issues here. I have experience with dozens of Steinway back actions from ‘78-‘79, a similar vintage to your ‘75 instrument. If the back action is original, then it has teflon action centers. In my Kansas City world (I know the climate in HI might provide differing considerations) I would not even consider extensive repairs to a teflon back action. Here, action parts with teflon simply _must_ be replaced.
Also, if the back action is original parts with teflon, then the underlevers are likely “short-arm” underlevers. The supply chain issues may have wreaked havoc, but Pianotek at one time could provide direct replacements for the short-arm underlevers; you could check to see what the current situation is.
If Steinway parts are a must, since I would never consider replacing the leads in a teflon back action, and since current underlevers have a different shaped flange _and_ a different length arm, the only Steinway option might be a complete new back action. The new back action could probably be made to work, but do not dismiss the complications of fitting a back action with longer arms when the original had short-arm underlevers.
It seems to me that the most straight-forward option would be direct replacement of the short-arm underlevers (I think they were from Tokiwa), if such are available.
Original Message:
Sent: 1/11/2023 7:24:00 PM
From: Steven Rosenthal
Subject: RE: S&S underlever problem
Actually Steinway offers the underlevers, whole back action w/under levers installed, also lead weights for repairing old under levers.
It's now looking to me like, per Ed's advice, refurbishing the old ones are probably the best way to go without risking additional repercussions.
What Steinway didn't do was address dealing with the difference between the old and new configurations.
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Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-11-2023 18:37
From: Wim Blees
Subject: S&S underlever problem
Horace
Steinway is not offering any solutions. Unless they are willing to replace the whole piano, there is no other solution.
Wim
Original Message:
Sent: 1/11/2023 6:24:00 PM
From: Horace Greeley
Subject: RE: S&S underlever problem
Hi, Wim,
The piano is owned by a Steinway dealer.
Would installing a non-S&S back action be prudent for either the dealer
or Steven without prior written authorization from Steinway?
Kind regards.
Horace
Original Message:
Sent: 1/11/2023 6:13:00 PM
From: Wim Blees
Subject: RE: S&S underlever problem
Steve
Renner has a universal back action kit. You have to do all the measuring, drilling and assembly, but it works very well. I've done several over the years.
Phil is in Australia until the end of January, but you might want to ask him if he has done one before.
Wim
Original Message:
Sent: 1/11/2023 3:08:00 PM
From: Steven Rosenthal
Subject: S&S underlever problem
The local dealer owns a Steinway D circa 1975, the under levers need to be replaced due to a lead bloom problem. Steinway can only provide the modern under levers which use rosette flanges unlike the '75 version; also, the old D has assist springs (at least in the bass) that push down on the under levers which have a groove in them to accommodate the springs. The modern version has no groove and apparently the springs have been eliminated in the newer pianos.
Has anyone dealt with this disparity and come up with the best solution? (have not gotten clear guidance from S&S)
Thanks in advance.
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Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129
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