M&H BB Damper Back Action Replacement

Damper work can be some of the most tedious work in piano rebuilding. Everything needs to be precisely positioned for proper operation. Ofter it is desirable to replace the damper back action as part of obtaining proper damper performance. On the Mason, the original back action was kind of an odd-ball design that I have never seen before. Because of the odd design, and the age of the instrument, it was decided to install a replacement.

In this case, the design and dimensions of the replacement were totally different than the original, so it required a bit of planning to make the replacement. You can see the differences in the photos.

Mason & Hamlin BB Pinblock Drilled

The Mason pinblock was drilled while installed on the plate. This is because the Mason has tuning pin bushings. Actually, this is the way I formerly drilled my pinblocks. If the piano didn't have tuning pin bushings, I installed them.

To accomplish this, the plate is set up outside the piano. I aim for a 3 degree angle on the pin, so the rear of the plate is set lower than the front. My drill press head can be rotated 180 degrees to the rear. My drill press is mounted on a cart with large wheels, and the base is filled with ballast to make it secure when moving.

Drilling through the tuning pin bushings speeds the process if stringing by allowing the stringer to push the pins into the plate, and be held there. Also, there is no chance of the tuning pins holes being miss-aligned. The pictures show the set up.

New Apprentice

For his sixth birthday, Benjamin's grandpa (me!) bought him a children's tool kit. Benjamin told me it was his best present ever:). Here he is working on his first project- a wooded tractor.

Family Time

I haven't written much lately for two reasons. First, I have been busy tuning, and second, I have been busy with family. Several pictures tell it all.