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The Many Voices of Alfred Brendel

Alfred Brendel, the Czech-born Austrian pianist, essayist and poet, died peacefully at age 94 on June 17, 2025, in London. Celebrated for his deeply intellectual interpretations of Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert and Liszt, he reshaped classical performance with clarity, wit and literary flair. His legacy endures through recordings, writings and mentorship. Read more

Topic: Why Does the Jack of the Wippen Get Stuck in the Hammer Butt of an Upright Piano  (Read 2185 times)

Offline themaximillyan

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Description:
Encountering a stuck key on your upright piano? The issue might lie in the interaction between 'the jack of the wippen' and the hammer butt. When depressing a key, 'the jack' can become lodged on 'the hammer butt', a component typically covered in dark beige felt. This occurrence stems from the jack failing to clear the leather of the hammer butt during the mechanism's 'let off' phase at the end of a keystroke.

The jack, a plastic part of the upright piano action, is designed to move freely from the hammer butt's leather surface during operation. However, it may not travel far enough due to two potential issues: the 'let off' setting being too close or the keys sinking, resulting in inadequate key travel.
 If the 'let off' is not excessively close, the issue likely lies in regulating the jack itself. This involves ensuring the jack is in optimal working condition, which may entail minor adjustments. Additionally, lightly unscrewing the 'let off' from its from wooden plank can provide the necessary clearance for the jack to move freely without obstruction.

By addressing these factors, 'the jack' can function properly, restoring smooth operation to your upright piano.

Offline jbgods

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If it weren't for this video I would have never known any of the internal parts of the piano other than the hammer and the strings.

Offline themaximillyan

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If it weren't for this video I would have never known any of the internal parts of the piano other than the hammer and the strings.
Me thanks,
Now you know  about it's ,

regards, Max
 

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