200 Upper octave quieter than rest of keyboard

[Jimmyjam]

Hello All,

I'm finishing a 200 restoration, new warneck amp, full regulation, everything by the book. The instrument was in remarkably good original condition, action still looks almost new inside.

My problem is that the volume tapers off substantially in the last octave.

I found one other post (https://ep-forum.com/smf/index.php?topic=8433.msg44617#msg44617) awhile back where they filed the reedblock directly under the reeds so that the reed had more exposed length to flex as it vibrates,

However my reeds are already sticking out far enough according to that post. Before I make any modifications, I was curious to any other thoughts? Is this a common problem? My 140B does not do this and has great volume all the way up the keys.



Thanks!!

[Jenzz]

Hi :-)

The upper range is sensitive to striking line (take a look at the manuals, the glued hammer stems could have moved over the years, resulting in impropper striking line) and hammer hardness.

The felt covering of the hammers at the upper range is thin to get the neccesary hardness. The felt covering often has cracks and got puffed, so the hitting surface is too large and the hammer has become too soft to build up the enery. As a result, these notes are much quieter.

Re adjust striking line by applying heat to the glue of the hammer stem and move back or forth. This is try and error. There will be a position where the reed will respond best.

Jenzz

[Jimmyjam]

Thanks for the prompt reply!! I did adjust some of the hammers for strike line and also shimmed up the pickup slightly as the quietest reeds were slightly higher than the pickup. I'm very happy with the results. Thanks again!!