Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info

End-of-Year Fundraising Drive In Progress. Please visit our home page to see this and other announcements: https://www.mmdigest.com     Thank you. --Jody

MMD > Archives > March 1999 > 1999.03.30 > 06Prev  Next


Ampico A Equalizer Spring
By Bob Taylor

I would like to offer this for John McClelland's consideration.
On Ampico grands, the location of the equalizer and space available
determines the length of the spring.  Often the treble side is much
shorter.

The purpose of the equalizer is to smooth out surges at minimum
intensity playing.  The equalizer is a small reservoir which keeps
the vacuum level from dropping below minimum operating levels.

For the equalizer to function properly, it should be almost fully
collapsed when the piano is at its softest playing vacuum level, with
no notes playing.  When system demands cause a drop in vacuum, such
as several notes being struck at minimum intensity, the equalizer(s)
quickly open, and dampen the surge.  Obviously, if the equalizers are
set too far open at minimum levels of play, they will also dampen out
all quick, subtle accents.

Any spring will work if the equalizer is kept in the active range
explained above.  Differences in springs between the bass and treble
will have no effect on performance just as long as each equalizer is
nearly fully closed at the softest level of play.

Bob Taylor


(Message sent Tue 30 Mar 1999, 14:36:47 GMT, from time zone GMT-0600.)

Key Words in Subject:  Ampico, Equalizer, Spring

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page