Keys remain down when using the pedal...

[tasters]

hello guys, i want to make an order of some parts from a web shop of rhodes parts but first i got a question.

On my 1980 Rhodes MK2 i got a problem.

2 or 3 key when i use the sustain pedal remain pressed, and the hammer remain up. They remain up also when i release the pedal.

What i can change to fix this issue?
thanks!
ciccio

[pianotuner steveo]

It sounds like the hammers are getting caught on something... are the hammers missing the tines then catching on them? It could be a tine alignment problem, or deeply worn hammer tips....it doesn't really sound like a pedal issue (but it can be,depending on what is going on)

[Ben Bove]

A good idea to check the hammers as Steveo says.  If i'm hearing you, they return just fine when the pedal is NOT down, and when the pedal is down they hang up?

The last time I had this problem, it was that the felts were rubbing against the guide pins.

I think it would probably be either the felts on the front pins (probably) or the middle felts on the balance rail pins.  Over time the wood can swell and make this a smaller hole, rubbing and slowing action.

First I'd try to lube the felts under the key, and the pins and see if that cleans it up.  Also check to see if both pins are straight and not bent to the sides any.

If it's not working with lube, and pins are straight / you've adjusted them a bit left or right, a much more barbaric way to solve it would be to crush the felts moving the key back and forth left and right (there probably is no play in the key left to right at all).

Again it's barbaric and not a great method, but if you're not looking to pay a tech or replace them, it might just take some hard wiggling to free it up a bit.

[tasters]

hello guys
i've talked with a guy from vintage vibe and it told me  it sounds as if i have sticky keys and they need to be eased. i should use a key bushing tool like this



Desc. KEY BUSHING TOOL :: THIS TOOL IS ESSENTIAL IN DEALING WITH KEYS THAT ARE TIGHT, SLUGGISH OR STUCK AS WELL AS LOOSE, WOBBLY, SLOPPY AND WORN. IT IS A TIGHTENER AND AN EASER. AGAIN A MUST HAVE FOR MAINANENCE.


any have used this?
thanks!

[pianotuner steveo]

Yes,it is possible that that is your only problem, but be sure that is what it is before spending money. You can use needle nose pliers or duck bill pliers to ease keys.I don't personally like this type of easing tool. It is too easy to split the keys.(Especially for a novice)

Hold a hammer from one of the sticking keys up with your hand, depress the pedal, and see if the key still sticks. If so, then yes, you need to ease the bushings. If not,it is a different problem.