Ryan,
I don't think that matters too much, in my experience, as long as it not hog wild. The order is key (i.e. angled last). I should mention that Steinway has a specific order, but basically if you do corners first, as Dave said. Then you've 'locked' the stack into position, and since there are no angled screws the other brackets will sit aligned. Between the Yamaha and Steinway order is where most action are. However...
I've had some odd actions (older)where all the screws were angled! Maybe someone can remember the make. With that, all I did was put the rear screws in first, then the front, hoping that the hammer line would look as level as it was before. Luckily it was. I'm wondering now if I had done the front ones first if I would have had trouble? I dunno and don't care. (It was a pos. ��)
Original Message:
Sent: 4/1/2024 10:49:00 AM
From: Ryan Sowers
Subject: RE: Yamaha C 3 Conservatory Grand Regulation
Thanks Jim and Dave - great description. This gets me thinking about another issue related to keyframes: what type of surface is the keyframe on when the screws are installed and tightened. In the shop I have workbench space, but in the field its either the LaRoy caddy, or the piano bench, or the top of the piano. I'm imaging that uneven stresses on the keyframe could also have an effect. Perhaps just a drop cloth on top of the piano would be best so that the entire frame is well supported. So many details to worry about...
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Ryan Sowers RPT
Olympia WA
(360) 480-5648
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-01-2024 10:04
From: James Busby
Subject: Yamaha C 3 Conservatory Grand Regulation
Hi Dave,
That is the Yamaha protocol. Several times, after removing the stack and replacing it, I've found the hammer line wildly up in the air! That's because the previous tech started with the angled screws (moving the stack forward, as you said) then they turned the capstans to "correct" the hammer line.
Original Message:
Sent: 4/1/2024 7:42:00 AM
From: Dave Conte
Subject: RE: Yamaha C 3 Conservatory Grand Regulation
There is always a certain amount of inevitable twist on the keyframe and action frame.
I have found the best way to get consistent results is to install all the screws in the same order,
keeping in mind that angled screws will move the action rearward if installed early on.
FWIW, it makes sense to me to always follow a routine:
Back corners,
Front corners,
Back row from outside toward center,
Front row from outside toward center.
While it may not make a huge difference, it does ensure that all the frame members twist the
same way every time, thereby avoiding small differences when things are not done in the same
sequence and minimizing any related duplication of effort.
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Dave Conte, RPT
Piano Technician in Residence
The University of Tennessee
College of Music
Knoxville TN
(817) 307-5656
Owner: Rocky Top Piano
Original Message:
Sent: 03-31-2024 13:01
From: James Busby
Subject: Yamaha C 3 Conservatory Grand Regulation
Angled screws always last. That was Yamaha's first rule.
Original Message:
Sent: 3/31/2024 12:28:00 PM
From: Ryan Sowers
Subject: RE: Yamaha C 3 Conservatory Grand Regulation
This caught my eye: "I followed the Yamaha recommended sequence to putting the screws in"
I don't think I remember hearing that there was a Yamaha recommended sequence. Mostly what I've heard is not to put in angled screws before the ones that go straight down. Generally I put the screws into the 4 corners first, and then put the rest in. Sometimes I've tightened them like lug nuts, basically jumping around as I tighten in an attempt to get even stress. I'm always wondering how much it really matters.
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Ryan Sowers RPT
Olympia WA
(360) 480-5648
Original Message:
Sent: 03-28-2024 19:17
From: James Kelly
Subject: Yamaha C 3 Conservatory Grand Regulation
Wim ... I had the top stack off so I could ease the keys. The screws in the action brackets where all tight as found. When I put the stack on I followed the Yamaha recommended sequence to putting the screws in . I have no idea about who serviced the piano before or why drop screws where all the way up as well as letoff buttons. I am returning tomorrow morning to take various measurements and possibly set some samples. In addition I have to install a hammer that was broken right at the tip of the shank glue joint. I will certainly take the measurements that Mr. Roeder suggested
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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
(843) 325-4357
Original Message:
Sent: 03-28-2024 10:13
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Yamaha C 3 Conservatory Grand Regulation
The first thing I would check is to make sure all 8 action brackets feet are screwed down all the way. It could be that sometime in the past the teacher took off the stack to remove a pencil or coin stuck between the keys, and he didn't get the stack back on all the way. A very easy thing to do if you're not experienced taking action apart.
Original Message:
Sent: 3/28/2024 10:05:00 AM
From: James Kelly
Subject: Yamaha C 3 Conservatory Grand Regulation
While I was easing the keys on a C3 Yamaha Grand I observed that the drop screws where turned up so high they nearly scrape the pinblock and that all of the letoff buttons where turned up touching the letoff button rail. The piano plays okay but I need to spend some time regulating the entire action. Things I need to check include hammer blow, repetition spring strength, action center friction on rep lever, whip flanges, jacks, key dip and after touch , glide bolt height, back checking, letoff, knuckle shape, jack position under the knuckle. All of the hammers are original Yamaha with very little filing
The piano was formerly owned by a teacher and is now in a small Chapel. A full Piano Life Saver was installed July 4th of 2023 and has done extremely well over a very humid summer .
Any suggestions on how I can get this instrument back to Yamaha specs will be extremely helpful. The Church has a limited budget so I will have to work with that . I think half a day of regulation will bring great results
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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
(843) 325-4357
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