Hi there,

I'm a bit stuck regulating a 1927 Sohmer Cupid with a WN&G action. First of all, from everything I've heard, Sohmer used Pratt-Read actions exclusively, so I'm not sure if the action is some kind of brief experiment on the part of Sohmer or perhaps not original.

A while ago, someone here was saying they were having trouble regulating a Sohmer grand until they realized its hammer blow distance was supposed to be 2". After experimenting with a few different distances, I continue to be stumped, so I ask you. Should I be looking at regulation specs for Sohmer grands or for WN&G actions? If anyone can offer insight on the dilemma I'd much appreciate it.

Greetings,
Your key height is proscribed by the case, so that can be a beginning. Has to fit under the fallboard and should not look weird over the keyslip.

Key dip can be from .375" to .400". Set the dip on one of the keys to a value somewhere inbetween these two, set the let-off, and then raise the hammer until you have .040" after touch. That will be your blow distance for a middle of the road beginning set-up. You may find the action is made for a deeper touch and longer blow, but you can't get too far away from the key's limitations, since the sharps can't bury, and they don't feel good if higher than 1/2 inch.
good luck

As Ed alludes, an action will generally tell a person how it wants and needs to be regulated. However, you need to be able to understand the language it is speaking. This requires more in-depth, close-up and personal exposure and regulating experience with many grand actions than reading a book or two and spending a lot of time on the internet. Grand actions are in fact fairly complex beasts, when you get down into the details of the interactive steps of regulation.

I suggest getting a piano technician in to do a first regulation and then you can experiment with it from there.

I second Jurgens advice.