Piano springs

madeleine · Post by **madeleine** » 09 Oct 2008, 10:21

The springs on my Ronisch piano have begun to go and my tuner has been unable to replace them because they are much finer than standard modern ones and are threaded through holes in the action. A local piano shop is proposing drilling larger holes and fitting thicker springs - is this likely to cause any problems? I'd like a second opinion but don't know where to go?

Thanks

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 09 Oct 2008, 12:25

I have no way of knowing what type of Ronisch, what type of action, or what type of springs you mean, but it is fair to say that heavier springs will probably have an effect on the touch, and may make it heavier. Why can't your tuner do it if it is simply a matter of replacing springs? You could try another tuner.

Post by **vernon** » 09 Oct 2008, 14:55

any competent tuner/tech will be able to make a set of springs of any gauge, providing they are not of some exotic configuration

madeleine · Post by **madeleine** » 10 Oct 2008, 21:25

Thank you very much for your advice. I'll quiz the man from the piano shop-restorers tomorrow morning.

The piano is an old (possibly 1873) upright - but I can't tell you about what type of action, I am afraid, as I have no idea about these things. This is my second tuner as the first told me to junk the piano and buy another (via him...). This one thinks it's worth saving.

Thanks again.
Madeleine

Post by **vernon** » 10 Oct 2008, 21:41

If you can give me an idea of which springs are deficient with a sample, I am sure I can make you a set to suit.

pianotechman · Post by **pianotechman** » 15 Oct 2008, 08:55

Do you know from your tuner whether the springs in question are from the Dampers, Jacks or Hammer repetition/butt springs? Nothing is impossible, as you can still make the springs buy hand if you have the right guage brass/bronze wire. A tad labourios, also the wire sizes may be 'graded' for Bass Middle & Treble. Certainly this is the case for Damper springs.
David.