Well, the first thing that we do is remove all case parts.
We inspect, clean and touch up each piece individually before re-assembling the piano.
Next we remove the action, all those moving parts.
There are some parts that can only be seen with the action removed.
We remove all the keys exposing the Keybed. Each key is cleaned and inspected for wear.
With all the keys removed we can then clean beneath the piano keys and inspect all the felt punchings making sure that they are intact and in good condition.
We then lubricate all the balance rail pins and front rail pins. This can only be done when all the previous parts have been removed.
Now, with the action on the workbench, we can inspect all the moving parts making sure that each one is in good condition.
Many of the action parts can only be seen when the action is removed and on the bench.
Any worn or broken parts are repaired or replaced ensuring that the enitre action assembly is in good working order
All of the keys and the action are then re-installed into the piano. We check all hammers for alignment and make adjustments to ensure that they all strike the strings accurately.
Once we have tested the piano and determined the proper key height, we straighten and level all the keys to provide uniform playability.
Then, using a dip block, we measure and adjust the distance that each key is depressed. This makes sure that all the keys move at the same distance providing a uniform feel throughout the piano.
Once key dip is set we look at how far each hammer moves and where it is released before striking the string or "let off".
When hammers are released at different point in the keystroke then notes will play at differerent volumes or, in extreme cases, some notes won't play at all.
This can make playing smoothly impossible.
We also look at how far the hammers are from the string when at rest.
If there is too much room some of the action parts won't be able to move adequately through the keystroke.
If there is not enough room the action becomes sloppy and inefficient.
We adjust the capstan height to eliminate lost motion.
When lost motion occurs the key is being derpessed without moving any other action parts. This makes the piano hard to play because the initial effort being excerted is not effecting anything else. This makes you try to play harder than you have to.
Then we set the back checks adjusting how far the hammer moves away from the string after impact. This allows for uniform response and proper after touch.
Having proper after touch in your piano means the parts are moving efficiently and at the right distance. Not having the right after touch can not only make the instrument hard to play, it can cause severe damage to your hands and wrists.
Now that all that is done (about 6 to 8 hours of work) guess what?
It just needs to be tuned!
Of course we do this twice just to make sure that the tuning is accurate and stable.
