Maid-tan
20 December 2015
Hi all,
One thing that has really been making pedaling troublesome for me is the bars being uneven.
I tried using an adjustable wrench to make the keys' beights more even (the F#4 is the worst) but I ended up breaking one of the metal posts.
Does anyone have any tips for making the keybed more even? I understand that wood has a tendency to warp, and that something like carbon fiber would work far better, but that's out of my price range.
EDIT: As a temporary solution I've put tape on the area where the cord rests, raising the bars a bit.
Thank you so much!
Comments
Bar Height
IndianaGlen Mon, 12/21/2015 - 10:39
Adjusting bar height can be a challenge. One adjustment may impact other bars. The posts on an m55 are pressed into holes. Do this at your own risk. It is possible to make things worse.
Here are a few tips you may find helpful.
1) use a pencil to mark the current position of the post so you can keep track of how much you moved the post.
2) You have to move straight up (or down). Needle nose pliers (especially ones that are bent 90 Degrees) work well. I put the pliers as low on the post and gently and slowly pry up.
3) It may be another post causing the problem. It's easy to assume the post causing the problem is the one nearest the damper pad, the posts on the outside can cause problems too.
4) Use a 24" straight edge to find low or high posts.
5) If your felt is worn, adjusting posts may require new damper felt.
6) If the holes for the posts are worn and wont hold the posts in the right spot you can use a VERY small amount of paste made from carpenter glue and sawdust (Like Elmer's wood glue, titebond) the challenge is that you don't want to use too much because you still want to be able to move the post if necessary. I just smear a small amount on sides of the post with a toothpick and insert it back into the hole.
7) If you can pull a post out (or move it) with your fingers, it's too loose
8) Never twist the posts, pull them straight out. If you twist they will break almost every time.
Will try that, thank you very much!
Maid-tan Mon, 12/21/2015 - 18:50
In reply to Bar Height by IndianaGlen
Thank you for the detailed information! I'll buy some needle nosed pliers and get to work.
Be careful
IndianaGlen Tue, 12/22/2015 - 11:12
In reply to Will try that, thank you very much! by Maid-tan
Remember, it's possible to cause more problems rather than fix them. Go very slow and check before you adjust!
Uneven bars
Bob Adler Sat, 12/26/2015 - 23:19
In reply to Will try that, thank you very much! by Maid-tan
My brand new M 55 had one bar that was not contacting the felt quite enough so I cut a small piece of drywall tape (the kind that looks like square netting and is slightly sticky) and placed it under the bar. It is very thin so you can add a layer if needed and it doesn't affect the sound. This is a good way to even out your bars.