Squeaky Bechstein

[mistral969]

I have a Bechstein model 9 upright. The damper lift rod is held back by a long metal strip spring which has a thin leather strip between it and the damper lift rod.

I identified the squeek was coming from friction between the leather and the damper rod as the latter was raised.

As the leather was not adhered to the metal spring I lifted it and carefully cleaned
it with a week detergent. This cured the squeek for about a day, presumibly until the leather dried out.

Could someone please suggest an appropriate solution to this problem.

Thank-you

[Bill Kibby]

First, I need to be sure that we are talking about the same parts. The vertical rod that raises the dampers does not (as far as I remember) have such a spring. The horizontal wooden rocker that transfers the pedal movement to the vertical rod does have a leaf spring, and it is often provided with a strip of leather to prevent squeaks. It does this by keeping the metal from rubbing on wood, but when the leather wears, it is necessary to fit a new piece of leather, or move the leather, or provide some sort of felt or baize. The latter will not wear as well as leather, which often survives a whole century. First, check that the squeak is definitely coming from there, by applying WD40 or grease under the spring. This should provide instant short-term relief. If it does not, the squeak may well be coming from somewhere else, and in view of the huge amount of physical work done by the sustaining pedal, there may be several sources. The sounds are beautifully transmitted to all parts of the piano, and the soundboard does an excellent job of amplifying them!

It is also common to find the woodwork of the case, especially the bottom plinth, bending under the strain, and causing more creaks.

One of the most irritating problems is the combined effect of a tiny squeak in each and every individual damper, and (sorry lads) WD40 is often not only the best answer, it may be the ONLY answer.

[Gill the Piano]

A cheap quick bodge is to insert a piece of very thick polythene between the two squeaky bits. The polythene should be about the thickness of an animal feed/coal sack or the bit round the handles of a decent quality carrier bag. Crude but efficient!

[Bill Kibby]

This could turn into an even uglier scandal than announcing that I dare to use WD40 on pianos! Plastics work very well in this way, that's why some modern actions use them as bearing surfaces. Oddly, plastics don't respond well to being lubricated, and if you have one of those slippery plastic gadgets that hold the top open, oiling it will actually make it grip better!

[mistral969]

Thank-you for responding.

It seems I was a bit to hasty in reporing to you where the squeak was comming from.

I intended to send you an attachment picture of the problem area but when I removed the action to photograph the long curved metal spring and the leather strip between it and the damper lift bar, the squeak wasn't there anymore. The cleaning of the leather with a mild detegent must have cleared it.

However,another squeak revealed itself which must have been masked by the first one.

The vertical wooden rod and its round wooden guide were binding when under pressure (when the pedal was depressed) i.e when the action was in place but not when removed.

So I appologize for misleading information but the qeustion now is what should I use to 'lubricate' this.

[vernon]

If I understand the inquiry it sounds as tho' someone has fitted a pedal leaf spring to return the steel damper lift rail because the dampers were not damping properly - and that is a "cure." if you don't understand damping and are not competent to do a proper job.

[Bill Kibby]

Pedal squeaks can confound the most experienced technicians!

The vertical wooden stick rubbing on the surrounding round hole is quite common, and although grease such as tallow or vaseline may help, it probably means that the baize or leather that lines the hole is worn. It is sometimes easier to remove the stick and cover it with something, rather than try to get at the inside edge of the round hole. However, there can be problems that cause the vertical stick to move front-to-back when the pedal is pressed, such as the rocker at the bottom moving on its supports. Then again, if there is too much friction on the top end of the vertical stick, that can make things worse.

[Johnkie]

I have a Bechstein model 9 upright. The damper lift rod is held back by a long metal strip spring which has a thin leather strip between it and the damper lift rod.

I identified the squeek was coming from friction between the leather and the damper rod as the latter was raised.

As the leather was not adhered to the metal spring I lifted it and carefully cleaned
it with a week detergent. This cured the squeek for about a day, presumibly until the leather dried out.

Could someone please suggest an appropriate solution to this problem.

Thank-you

The annoying squeak can quite easily be fixed by applying a light grease or vaseline between the leather and the damper lift rail- I would lubricate both sides of the leather i.e. leafspring onto leather ..and leather onto the damper lift rail. This is a common thing that happens when leather loses its "nap" and gets worn and shiney. Another example of which, often arises when the leather key bushings get worn ... once again quite simple to fix - Take the keys out, and smear the smallest amount of light grease or vaseline onto both the centre rail and bat pins ... I dip a piece of felt into vaseline and apply it ... that way you can get a nice light smearing .... and that is all you need.

[mistral969]

Johnkie,

Thank-you for your advice and understanding my problem.

regards,

roger