repairing old upright felts etc

[atocp]

Hi all,

I am wondering if I can get some advice on what to replace in my old upright piano. I opened it up, mainly to clean it and replace the bridle straps because a few keys weren't working. It turns out, the dust, bridle straps and general manky-ness is a culmination of many many decades. Everything inside is original, including all felts etc.

My main problem is im going to replace most of the felts, as well as replace the straps, but I am wondering what depth of felt groove on the hammer's is acceptable? The hammer's are original, and well grooved, but I don't believe they have been reshaped at any stage. Baring in mind, this was my great grandmothers piano, and she lived to 101 years, so I don't have a complete history of it.

I have all the time in the world, but like to do things myself at least once before I call in an expert.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, and if you require a photo of any parts, just let me know.
It is an F.W. Whitworth & Co (London), then sold by J.D. Cuthbertson (Glasgow) - I believe

many thanks,
atocp

[Colin Nicholson]

Replacing hammer felt is a specialised job, and in most cases they need to be sent away through an 'agency' piano parts company (as a middle man). It also depends on the condition and tone of the old strings? If the bass strings are filthy black, its pointless fitting new felt. If the piano plays ok, and the felts are not down to the inner wooden core, they should be fine. However, if you change anything (and I mean anything) - the mechanism will need to be re-regulated for it to play correctly.

Most common repairs are bridle straps, leathers, hammer felt refacing, the odd bit of repinning.... however some of the tasks require special tools.

Hope that helps

[atocp]

Hi Colin,

Thanks for the advice. It was very helpful to the cause.
The strings look in ok condition (although I could be wildly incorrect.) They still have a relatively good colour on them, and although dirty, dont have any signs of corrosion, stretching etc.

With regards to the hammers, if I am not going to replace them, but rather smooth out the felt, what grit of paper or fineness of file would I use? Do I err on the side of caution and use super fine as its harder to slip and ruin things?

I intend to get someone to look over the piano to tune it at the end, but I'm an advocate for hands-on learning first. :)

Many thanks,
atocp

[WellTempered]

I would suggest that you let someone who is trained in doing the job do it!! It was your great grandma's piano and I assume it is a labour of love. There are plenty of things that you could do to the piano to make sure that a family member has been involved with it's restoration that doesn't involve edging into the area of "expertise" that could result in you causing more harm than good xx