Action Geometry and Grand Regulation -- All-Day Session ($25 fee)

A customer's grand action needs regulation. You can't adjust let-off close enough. Hammers won't check and capstans are falling out. Downweight is too heavy. The morning classes address action ratio, touch weight, action geometry and design parameters. Be prepared to deal with common problems that can't be ignored. This presentation is an "eye opener" for most technicians.

After lunch, with an action model available for every team of two technicians, we'll complete a grand action regulation. Why is friction necessary for proper action function? Why is hammer boring critical? Why is "the click" so important? How do we synchronize a double escapement action? Learn to regulate for maximum power and repetition without memorizing a list of specs.

If you have a grand action model in good working order, please plan to bring it. The conference will have additional models available. I'll contact registrants by e-mail with detailed instructions concerning tools and supplies. This class is intended to take the "fear factor" out of grand piano actions. Class will be limited to the first thirty registrants.

Limit on class attendance is 30

See Letter from the instructor / tool list and Instructor Bio's below

return to class descriptions page

Letter from the instructor / tool list:

My name is Richard Davenport. I will be your instructor at the upcoming California State Conference. My purpose in writing is to give you some background information to better prepare for this unique experience. In three of the four sessions, you will work with a partner on an action model. We will discuss many topics unfamiliar to most technicians. Get a good night's sleep!

We begin with “Home Is Where The Action Is.” We'll learn about action ratio, component functions and trouble shooting. We will measure key ratio, wippen ratio, hammer ratio and, finally, action ratio. If you can stay awake through the basic math (multiplication and division), you'll gain skills necessary to diagnose any problematic grand action. In addition, I will make my Excel Action Geometry Spreadsheet available to all participants.

Next, we see “What Happens If…?” When I first became curious about the complexities of the grand action, I did many experiments on a customized action model. I made a video of the most interesting results for this program. Many results will surprise you. You may remember the Journal article about this program. There are tips for technicians at all experience levels. Time permitting, I will show how I remove excessive mass from action components.

Thursday afternoon will conclude with “Grand Action Regulation (For Power and Repetition).” If I don't tell too many “war stories,” we'll have regulated our models to perfection. I will have two additional instructors (Kay Forrest and Pam Consoli) to assist in checking your work. There will be live demonstrations and a very detailed PowerPoint program to lead us through the process. If I don't cover your specific question in class, I'll be available afterward.

In order to maximize class time, please choose a partner before class starts and sit together at the same action model. I will be in class 30 minutes early, so if you can, get your model in good working order before class officially starts. Please bring the following items.

Measuring Tools

1. A 300 mm (or longer) metric scale
2. A 150 mm caliper or 150 mm steel scale (you'll get better results with a caliper)
3. A calculator (or pad and pencil)

Regulating Tools

1. Grand action regulating tools. Don't depend upon anyone for your tools.
2. Screwdrivers for all grand action parts including damper top flange
3. Paper punchings for front and balance rail

Action Model

If you have your own model in good working order, bring it. The Conference will have models available, but I can't guarantee their condition. I strongly recommend purchasing your own. Renner USA has grand action models available (the same one we use for the bench test) for the low Conference price of $270, shipping included. Contact them at Renner@rennerusa.com or, 480-575-1700.

I'm looking forward to meeting all of you on Thursday, February 8th. Sharing information is the main reason we all belong to PTG. If you have questions or concerns, you may e-mail me at RDPT@aol.com.

Thanks.

Richard Davenport

Bio: Richard Davenport

Richard Davenport, RPT, is a concert technician, formerly a Technical Service Consultant for 24 years with Yamaha. He received training at Yamaha's concert grand factory in Japan and, more recently, at the Fazioli factory in Italy. Since 1980, he has serviced pianos for 20th Century Fox Studios as well as installing a new soundboard, action and pinblock in their 1928 Steinway D. From 1969-1976 he taught instrumental music for the Los Angeles Unified School District. He holds a B.A. Degree in violin performance from Occidental College, and regularly teaches PTG chapter seminars, regional and national convention classes.

Bio: Kayoko Forrest, RPT

Kayoko joined David L. Abell, fine pianos in 1978 while working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Music. While at the store, she became reacquainted with one of her junior high school music teachers, Richard Davenport. Eventually, she joined PTG and has been a Happy Merry Worker in Richard’s shop since 1993. She served as the Institute Director for last year's CA State Conference and is the current president for the Los Angeles Chapter.

Bio: Pamella Consoli, RPT

Pamella studied piano technology under the tutelage of Frances Mehaffey and LaRoy Edwards in 1978-79 and has been a technician in the Pomona Valley area since 1980. She was president of the Pomona Valley Chapter twice. She has been a Happy Merry Worker in Richard Davenport’s shop since 1996.