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This Baldwin 7 foot grand piano was built in 1911 and donated to Midwestern State University in 2006. As normally happens, the keys were very soiled from over 90 years of use. At some point, the original hammers and shanks were replaced with Immadegawa parts from Superior Imports. Unfortunately, the installer failed to take into account the difference in weight between the original parts and the new parts. The result was a touchweight that exceeded 80 grams in many places rather than the more conventional 50 gram range. The problem was compounded by a liberal application of graphite grease which aged poorly and caused excessive friction at many points. |
The felt key bushings were worn which caused an unacceptable sideways play, so they were replaced with new high quality bushing cloth. Key pins and capstans were cleaned, polished and lubricated creating a solid foundation for action regulation. |
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While a clean set of keysticks are normally not visible to the pianist, it is the task of the craftsman to improve all aspects of the instrument. |
The original wippen heels were removed as the cushion felts had compacted severely over the years. In addition, the wippen cushions were totally saturated with graphite grease causing a major source of friction in the action |
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Capstans were relocated to compensate for the additional weight of the Immadegawa parts. The action was component balanced using the patented Precision TouchDesigntm system developed by David Stanwood of Stanwood Piano Innovations. |
New heels were installed to optimally match the leverage of the action to the weight of the parts. Wippens were reconditioned and lubricated to facilitate a fine regulation. |
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| The original key frame felt was removed and new high quality felt was installed. Back rail felt was double layered to increase durability and reduce noise. |
The completed action was closely regulated in the shop then delivered and fine regulated and voiced in the piano. Final touch weight was in the neighborhood of fifty grams and the touch of the instrument was very even. Best of all, the piano students were pleased! |
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