Lowest E on 73 sounds...bad

[DanTheMan]

The lowest E on my '73 Stage 73 just doesn't sound good. If you hit it too hard, you get a weird "sproing" because the tine hits the tonebar, and the tine is sort of rusty, and doesn't sustain very well. I know part of the problem is the slightly sticky action of the key due to it rubbing other keys, but any advice on getting the tine in better shape, or any mods to make it not hit the tonebar?

Thanks,
Dan

[pianokey88]

Sometimes a sustain problem can be fixed by simply torquing the tine down harder onto the tonebar.

First remove the tonebar from the piano.
Get a socket wrench that fits the tine screw. Don't use pliers or vise-grips.
Hold the tonebar and firmly torque the screw down with a lot of force. Be careful not to let the socket slip off though.

Other things to consider for helping sustain is replacing all your rubber grommets.

If that does'nt work then try replacing the tine with a brand new one and make sure the new one is real tight too.
dTb