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Topic: Upright piano (F) and (G) keys don't hit the strings  (Read 2065 times)

Offline themaximillyan

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Upright piano (F) and (G) keys don't hit the strings
on: December 05, 2023, 02:01:48 PM
Upright piano (F) and (G) keys don't hit the string most of the time when a dampening pedal is on.

In the provided video has excessive high 'the let-off' of the upright piano  results in weak hammer strikes on the strings when the soft pedal/dampening pedal is engaged there. To address this issue through a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach, follow the steps below:

**Problem Observation:**
 The (F) and (G) keys exhibit insufficient hammer strike force on the strings, especially noticeable when the soft pedal is activated.

**Potential Causes:**
   1. **'The Capstan Screw' Adjustment:**
      - Attempt to raise 'the capstan screw' by lightly unscrewing it from the key.
      - If no satisfactory changes occur through this adjustment, consider the following potential cause.

   2. **'The Let-off Regulation' (F and G):**
      - Examine the positioning of 'the jack' relative to 'the let-off'  for keys (F) and (G).
      - It appears that the bottom of 'the jack' may be incorrectly located concerning 'the let-off'.

   3. **Comparison with (E and A) 'The Let-off':**
      - Carefully analyze 'the let-off' regulation for keys (E) and (A), which seem to function correctly there. (refer to the video).
      - Check if there are differences in 'the let-off' regulation for (F) and (G).

   4. **Condition Felt of 'The Let-off' :**
      - Investigate the condition of the felt associated with keys (F) and (G).
      - It is possible that the felt has shrunk, hardened, or become completely loose.

**DIY Fix:**
1. **Capstan Screw Adjustment:**
   - Attempt to raise 'the capstan screw' by lightly unscrewing it from the key.
   - If the issue persists, proceed to the next step.

2. **'The Let-off' Regulation Adjustment:**
   - Carefully try lower down 'the let-off' for keys (F) and (G) using a thin stick.
   - Insert the stick into 'the let-off' regulation screw' and turn it clockwise.

By addressing these potential causes and making the suggested adjustments, it is anticipated that the hammer strikes on the strings for keys (F) and (G) will be more consistent and effective when the dampening  pedal is engaged even.