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Joined: Feb 2016
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2016
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I just bought a 1927 Baldwin 6'3" grand piano for my wife. Looks like it's been rebuilt with new strings, bridges, pin block, pins. Hammers look great, though I'm not sure if they are new or just reshaped. Body was refinished. It's beautiful and sounds amazing, a great deal we found on Craigslist.
I don't know if they key action mechanism has been rebuilt. One thing my wife noticed was the action felt a little "light" (or "loose"?), more so at the center keys than the less used keys at the ends. When you release the keys quickly they would bounce up and down lightly before settle to the rest position. The action still feels much better than our Kawai upright piano, but this "bouncy" problem prevents her from hitting series of quick notes. I checked the hammers let-off and drop-off distances and they looked consistent.
Is this "light" or "loose" action a serious problem? What causes that? And is it easy to fix? I'm very good with my hands and would like to save money if it's a straight forward repair.
Thank you!
Last edited by Bez; 02/26/16 07:08 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,714
6000 Post Club Member
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6000 Post Club Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,714 |
I don't think this is a problem a DIY should attempt to diagnose and solve.
You just made a great find on a piano that someone invested a fair amount of work into. My advice is to find a Technician who knows how to tone-regulate a grand action. In other words the answer is No.
In a seemingly infinite universe-infinite human creativity is-seemingly possible.
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Contact: toneman1@me.com
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,326
2000 Post Club Member
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2000 Post Club Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,326 |
The bouncy keys could be from wear at the balance keypin hole -- or a number of other factors, either instead of or in addition to.
In any case, not a sign that you shouldn't have gotten the piano. Probably you would be best served by getting a qualified technician experienced in grand action work.
If you use the PTG search function you can specify specialty.
Keith Akins, RPT
Piano Technologist
USA Distributor for Isaac Cadenza hammers and Profundo Bass Strings
Supporting Piano Owners D-I-Y piano tuning and repair
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,845
2000 Post Club Member
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2000 Post Club Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,845 |
Greetings,
Bouncing keys is a not-uncommon result of too much lead in the key. I have seen it when heavy hammers or the wrong geometry is in an action and the uneducated tech simply adds lead to the key to bring the down weight into spec. I have seen excessive leading on the 1970"s vintage Mason and Hamlin pianos, which was done at the factory.
Regards,
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 323
Full Member
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Full Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 323 |
I just bought a 1927 Baldwin 6'3" grand piano for my wife. Looks like it's been rebuilt with new strings, bridges, pin block, pins. Hammers look great, though I'm not sure if they are new or just reshaped. Body was refinished. It's beautiful and sounds amazing, a great deal we found on Craigslist.
I don't know if they key action mechanism has been rebuilt. One thing my wife noticed was the action felt a little "light" (or "loose"?), more so at the center keys than the less used keys at the ends. When you release the keys quickly they would bounce up and down lightly before settle to the rest position. The action still feels much better than our Kawai upright piano, but this "bouncy" problem prevents her from hitting series of quick notes. I checked the hammers let-off and drop-off distances and they looked consistent.
Is this "light" or "loose" action a serious problem? What causes that? And is it easy to fix? I'm very good with my hands and would like to save money if it's a straight forward repair.
Thank you!
I have to wonder if its actually the keys or the hammers. I would advise the OP to buy the Reiblitz book, or maybe "Pianos Inside Out." Don in Austin
Don, playing the blues in Austin, Texas on a 48" family heirloom Steinway upright, 100 year old, Starr, ca. 100 years old full size upright, Yamaha U30. Yamaha electric.
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,864
4000 Post Club Member
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4000 Post Club Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,864 |
It could be missing the Key upstop rail, or the rail is there but adjusted too high. If the action parts are original, they are certainly due for some work.
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