New to the Forum... questions about hammer not hitting tine

[Austinrhodes]

Hi.  New to the forum... excited about the recent Rhodes 73 Suitcase I bought.  Needs a little love here and there. 

The one I wanted to ask about now is that there is one key where as I strike the key, the hammer does not travel far enough to hit the tine.  The hammer action is just really weak.

I have the cover off and am about to remove adjacent keys to try and see what is happening... but was wondering if anyone here might have some ideas on why this is happening... or point me in a direction for things to look for. 

Thanks.

[David Aubke]

Maybe the hinge where the hammer attaches to the action rail is broken? Sometimes one side of the hammer's "axle" breaks - the hammer stays put but it flops around when it moves.

[pianotuner steveo]

Is something under the key? ( guitar pick, coin,etc) look in the front for something that may be impeding the key travel. Also,be sure the hammer tip is present, and attached. It is rare, but the key stick itself could be broken in two.

[Austinrhodes]

Both.  a paperclip was under the key... the found that the key itself has a crack.  Solved.  Thanks!

[pianotuner steveo]

Great! Did you re glue the key yet?

I recommend title bond or similar wood glue. It is usually better to completely break the key,re glue, then sand off excess glue after the glue dries.