Replace / Not Replace (opinions wanted)...

[PaulHelmuth]

All,

I am restoring a 1973 Rhodes and am considering replacing the damper arms (with revised design from Vintage Vibe) and bridle straps.

Both bridle straps and damper arms appear to be fine - but I have seen videos where people have quite a bit of trouble with getting the dampers to function correctly. And I'd rather replace the damper arms than have a lot of trouble with the originals. I just don't have a sense of how likely it is to have problems getting original damper arms to function. If it's unlikely that I will have problems, then I'd continue with the originals. If you think it's likely that I will have trouble getting the original damper arms to function - then I'd opt for the revised design from Vintage Vibe.

As I will be installing new damper felts, I want to decide before doing that.

The bridle straps look good - but perhaps it also makes sense to replace those when refurbishing (regardless of appearance)?

Would like to know what you experienced restorers think.

Thanks!

-Paul

[Fred]

I may be affiliated with VV, but I can objectively respond to this as I am not compensated in any way for Damper Arm Sales...

The early single piece damper arms where made of an aluminum alloy that does not have much "memory". That is, it does not take much pressure to bend the part into a "new" shape, different from the form it was designed to return to. The result is loss of tension and thus stopping power over time, especially noticeable in the tenor and bass sections of the piano. This can be remedied by "reverse bending" the damper arms, but tension will decrease again over time due to the composition of the damper arms. The reverse bend is also just about as much work as replacement considering you're replacing the damper felts anyway, so you're only saving the cost of the new arms themselves as time invested will be a wash.

Another issue with the original, early design damper arms is the amount of flex that takes place between the bridle strap and the free end of the arm, where the felt is applied. The new arms have a chamfered design which prevents the damper arm from flexing at this point and reduces, if not eliminates, the damper felt blocking the tine, especially upon heavy blows, and especially in the tenor and bass sections of the piano.

The bridle straps only need replacement if they appear excessively frayed, stretched, or are damaged during separation from the old damper arm. It is a good idea to have a few bridle straps on hand just in case. While you're at it, I'd also recommend re gluing whatever original bridle straps remain, as the old glue could allow the straps to pop out of the hammer over time. 

[PaulHelmuth]

I may be affiliated with VV, but I can objectively respond to this as I am not compensated in any way for Damper Arm Sales...

Thanks Fred.

So it sounds like wholesale replacement of the bridle straps is not necessary. I'm glad to hear that, because the replacement process looks quite time consuming (if doing all 73). And this restoration has already proven to be very time consuming.

Good idea to get a few though, just in case any are damaged when separating from the original damper arms.

How would you suggest "re-gluing" original straps that don't require replacement?

Thanks again,
-Paul

[Fred]

Make sure the bridle straps are tight within the slot of the hammer.

CAREFULLY apply thin super glue carefully to the rounded interior of the slot in the hammer. Remember, the super glue provides a mechanical connection as well as an adhesive connection. Once the glue dries, it's shape simply cannot be pulled through the slot without breaking (glue or hammer) apart.

Be careful not to apply to much! you don't want excess glue dripping all over the place, like the flange or pedestal in particular. You also don't want excess glue wicking up the bridle strap, making it stiff.

[PaulHelmuth]

Make sure the bridle straps are tight within the slot of the hammer.

CAREFULLY apply thin super glue carefully to the rounded interior of the slot in the hammer. Remember, the super glue provides a mechanical connection as well as an adhesive connection. Once the glue dries, it's shape simply cannot be pulled through the slot without breaking (glue or hammer) apart.

Be careful not to apply to much! you don't want excess glue dripping all over the place, like the flange or pedestal in particular. You also don't want excess glue wicking up the bridle strap, making it stiff.

Thanks Fred!

[Fred]

You got it - Good luck!

[pnoboy]

I have noticed the glue joint between hammer and bridle strap, and have thought that a water-soluble glue would be a good choice, so that replacement in the future could be made without potential damage to the hammer.  It struck me that a water-soluble glue would cause the bridle strap to swell, and at that point, it would be mechanically anchored, and only need a weak bond to hold it in place.  When I work on my Rhodes, I try always to think of myself as a caretaker and not an owner--these pianos will never by made again, and it's nice to think that mine, at some point, will go to a new owner and not the trash.

[PaulHelmuth]

...When I work on my Rhodes, I try always to think of myself as a caretaker and not an owner--these pianos will never by made again, and it's nice to think that mine, at some point, will go to a new owner and not the trash.

Amen.

I think the same way about most vintage/historical items. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to restore things so that they may by enjoyed by the next generation.

BTW - I decided to replace the damper arms with the revised design from Vintage Vibe. I decided that it would be worth the cost to reduce potential problems with proper function. Plus, if you replace the damper arms - you don't have to clean the old ones, or remove the old damper felts. 

Here is a pic of the damper arms being separated from the bridle straps and the hammers being prepped for new tips...


And I thought building a new case was going to be all of the work. 

-Paul

[PaulHelmuth]

...When I work on my Rhodes, I try always to think of myself as a caretaker and not an owner--these pianos will never by made again, and it's nice to think that mine, at some point, will go to a new owner and not the trash.

New caretaker!