Piano technology

Ovalized rollers: is there a less invasive remedy than replacing the entire strip?

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Started by

mike

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Opening post by mike

Posts
41
City
Bologna

On my 1939 Petrof, the repetitions are ovalized; 2 years ago I had the repetition levers completely replaced with others of dubious origin, with disastrous results.

I had the old levers reinstalled with the old hammers appropriately shaved down, obviously by another technician, but the precision is a bit poor...

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Reply 2 by Andry

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86
City
Roma

What do you mean by precision? Have you tried checking the pins? Anyway, shaved hammers and ovalized rollers as a premise would lead to the replacement of the entire complete action; certainly, if the dimensions or weights are changed, it's a disaster... it seems like an easy thing, but I fear it is an intervention that only 1 out of 5 tuners performs well

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Reply 3 by mike

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41
City
Bologna

To be precise, I mean that I find it a bit difficult to control the piano and forte.

The hammers that replaced mine were inadequate for my pF; the wooden core of the hammer head was not perpendicular to the escapement lever.

Unfortunately, ignorance (mine) and malice (others') come at a high price.

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Reply 4 by pianoexpert

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3,876
City
rocca di papa

The diameter of the roller must be checked as it can affect the alignment in question. Furthermore, the distance from the hammer lever pivot to the core of the roller is decisive!!! It is almost always 17 mm, sometimes 16.5 or (exceptionally) 16.0. Therefore, one cannot use spacers different from those installed by the Manufacturer. Naturally, all measurements can be found. Or the roller must be replaced with an identical one. The hammer rail must also be suitable for that specific instrument model.

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