Eliminating Lost Motion in a Spinet

Focus On: Eliminating Lost Motion in a Spinet Piano Action Oftentimes, the performance of a spinet piano may be improved by the elimi- nation of wasted (lost) motion in the action. This adjustment needs to be done by a techni- cian, for it is a very precise feel that sought af- ter—just a slight amount of movement in the key before the action itself begins to move. The setting involves raising or lowering the jack by turning a regulating button so that just a hair of movement under the hammer butt is allowed for (see photos). Symptoms of an incorrect adjustment of lost motion include things such as bobbling notes (notes that strike repeatedly on a single blow), blocking keys (notes in which hammers jam up against the strings), and weak notes (notes in which hammers don't hit the strings with adequate force). At present, your piano is in need of adjustment as far as lost motion is con- cerned. Having the adjustment set correctly would improve the consistency of the touch of your instrument. Adjusting lost motion with a fine touch. The job of eliminating lost motion is particularly important if the hammers of the piano have been filed or replaced, if the ham- mer blow (the distance from the front of the hammers to the strings) has been adjusted, or if the piano is simply exhibiting symptoms of poor adjustment. Although the setting may be done separately from other adjustments, it may also be done as a overall job of regula- tion, in which all the important adjustments having to do with "touch" which were made at the factory are reset. The Piano Owner's Heads-Up Guide to Important Piano Maintenance - Jema Pianos Too much motion allowed for Hammer Butt Jack Correct setting