Disklavier

Mr. Stibbins is correct that one of the causes of "sticking keys" in
Disklaviers can be the solenoid plunger.

It is great that Mr. Stibbins had success with dry powdered graphite. In my
opinion, an opinion shared by most working piano technicians, graphite is
generally not an appropriate lubricant for use in the piano. It is true that
decades ago graphite was widely used in pianos, but time has passed it by;
there are better, cleaner, more effective lubricants with fewer bad side
effects now available.

Mr. Stibbins states, "I found that there was no lubrication on the solenoid
plungers." The reason there was no lubrication on the solenoid plungers is
that none is generally needed. I service many Disklaviers and have found
less than a hand full of solenoid plungers that did not move freely, and
these were generally in brand new pianos where the warranty was still very
much in effect. I recommend that owners finding this problem request
warranty service; Yamaha, after all, provides the finest warranty service in
the business.

Kent Swafford, Registered Piano Technician
Kansas City


on 9/9/00 5:02 AM, Richard Stibbons at bonzo@... wrote:

> I had problems from new with sticking keys on my C2 Grand and I found that
> there was no lubrication on the solenoid plungers.  This is easily solved by
> removing the action and applying DRY POWDERED GRAPHITE to them.  Simply lift
> each plunger in turn and rub the powder into the metal surface with a finger.
> Messy but highly effective. I did this about three times when the piano was
> new, excercising it for a for a few weeks between each treatment.  The action
> is now perfect.  Remember to re-calibrate the key velocities afterwards by
> running the "Keyboard Measurement" routine. This has made a tremendous
> difference to the overall performance and the piano is now "run in" and
> stable.  It is the correct thing do and harmless as long as you NEVER use an
> oil based lubricant.
> 
> If you haven't removed a grand action before do be careful.  I suggest you
> seek professional help or, at least, write to me and I'll describe how to do
> it without breaking off the hammers !
> 
> Powdered graphite is available from locksmiths but make sure it is dry and not
> in solution.
> 
> Richard Stibbons M I M I T
> Cromer England
> bonzo@...