Pro Tip 30: Damper Lean

Grand damper wires are usually centered in the upper damper flange (or damper block), where they are locked in place with a screw. The damper technician also tries to center the wire in the damper guide rail bushing. However, many technicians are finding that by putting a very slight lean on the wire and making the wire lightly touch one side of the damper guide rail bushing, the dampers actually come up without the frantic movement that can be seen in slow-motion photography. This phenomenon is shown in this video, with instructions on how to minimize this movement. Furthermore, by doing this, you can also make the damper guide rail bushing a tiny bit larger so that your dampers will never stick! It does not wear out the guide rail bushing, as Jim can attest to after having done this for over 30 years.

[@W-HealthPianoExercises]

interesting. Keep it up! 🙂

[@hoddy2001]

will this have any effect on sound quality or longevity?

[@raytheaux7002]

Do you always lean left? And also when there is a rattling sound from damper will this help.

[@jbuzz8853]

Good question! No, sometimes I’ll lean the other way, but almost always all dampers will lean the same direction, for looks (spacing). Rattling may be a sign that you need to lean the other direction, but if several are rattling, you may have a different problem. The damper guide rail may need to be moved slightly in the direction that better centers the guide rail bushings, and hence the damper wires, between the unisons. It’s common for the guide rail to slip when in transport on its side. Check this by visually observing if the damper wire is too close to a string and not centered. To correct this, loosen the guide rail screws only 1/2 turn, then pry the rail over. (be careful and use a rag to protect the plate) While you’re applying pressure and you’ve moved it slightly, retighten the screws before letting off pressure. It’s a very common fix and quite easy to do! Unfortunately not all pianos are well made and the damper guide rail is one of those things we sometimes need to repair or replace. In the future I hope to make a video on that. Hope this helps.

[@raytheaux7002]

Thank you Jim.

[@raytheaux7002]

Thank you Jim.

[@raytheaux7002]

Thank you Jim.

[@raytheaux7002]

Thank you Jim.