Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Re 1921 Steinway M wtih an update

Well the technician was here today. What is needed is for the whole keyboard works--action to be replaced with a new one. The original is still in there! My gosh they built this piano well. Anyway, he will order that part from Steinway and when it comes replace it.

He says the sound board is still great and it all looks good inside except for the hammers and all the parts related. He will come back with the new hammers action/keys the entire set of these items) replace them and then do a big regulation and voicing as well as an entire tuning. The man knows his stuff!

My instincts were right about my wonderful piano--it needs some good TLC, but it is a fine instrument. It looks as if other parts--strings, etc. were replaced, or renewed as needed, but it is the action which was never replaced in all the years! Gosh, wish my piano could talk about its life. I would love to hear its story.

Just thought I'd update the saga of my beloved piano.

Sorry, have you already posted pictures of this action and the keys? Some here might want to comment on how critically these items need to be replaced, or, do you have a convincing description of the issues?

best wishes-

A 1921 Steinway is almost 100% likely to have verdigris, a greenish deposit in the action centers. These are the tiny joints that hinge one part to the other. When verdigris is present the action is sluggish and really cannot be regulated. This substance cannot be removed. The only cure is action replacement. This is a correct call by your technician.

Also the hammers themselves which are attached to the action parts containing the verdigris are most likely to have to be replaced because of wear or simply age. Without looking at a piano like this I would have automatically calculated this needed replacement for really any level of use.

I don't have pictures--am no good at taking them. However, the Steinway piano tech came out today--pulled the action and it is the original--hammers and all. The hammers are so worn and thin it is amazing. He is ordering an entire new action for the piano
--hammers, pins etc.that are Steinway parts, and will replace all. Then he will tune, voice, and regulate--in whatever order is correct the piano. For now he turned it a little, adjusted the action and touch so all keys are much more even. I can feel the difference all ready. The mental frame is in terrific condition and the sound board is great. No cracks, or other signs of damage. The piano is dusty inside. I trust this man and he is the go-to-guy where I live for any technical work on a Steinway.

Sally, you are right on the mark. Saw the parts to which you refer. There is the verdigris where you said it would be.. Was able to see it myself. The hammers are really worn down and thin. The entire action will be replaced. That is a good start and we will move on from there. This is a work in progress and I have
got a good man for a tech. Mary

MaryMM,
I hope your technician is aware that the replacement hammers he gets from Steinway are heavier than the originals. This will have a profound effect on the way the piano sounds and plays. I suggest discussing this with him before regulating the action. At a minimum, the technician should shape the felt of the hammers on the sides and shoulder, and the wood of the tails should be minimized as well.

The Steinway tone regulator that I first was instructed by was Fred Drasche. The first words out of his mouth were, "The hammer has got to get away from the string." and "The voicer puts the tone in the hammer with the shape."

Shaping should also be done before using any hammer hardeners. As you bring the weight down the tone comes up, especially from about note 55 to 88.

I do wish you every success in the outcome of this work.

I didn't know you worked with Fred. He was a factory man in New York and I have heard his name. I understand he was one of the best.

(Steve Drasche is the current generation in New York pianos)

Cheers!

He is aware of these things. He has been doing this for over 40 years. he will work and work with me and the piano to get everything to my satisfaction. Will keep folks posted. Thank you so much Ed for the pointers. Have heard as Rich of Fred--it is wonderful that you were able work with and learn from such a skilled artisan. Again, appreciate your pointers.