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Author Topic: max action!?!  (Read 2818 times)

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tucks

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max action!?!
« on: August 01, 2008, 01:25:51 PM »

I have a new, straight from the factory Castagnari max in C.  It looks lovely..one of the first they've made in Cherry (makes a change from the black).
..But, the action on it is terrible! really stiff buttons and bellows..
I've had it almost a year and I thought that it might 'loosen up' over time!.. Well the bellows are begining to be controllable now, but the buttons are still really stiff.
When I compare it to another max's I can see the the action is slightly higher (ie buttons stick out more from the finger board) But its not a massive difference.. ( 3mm ish)

Is there anything I can do? can the springs be loosened?
« Last Edit: August 01, 2008, 04:39:51 PM by tucks »
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Theo

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Re: max action!?!
« Reply #1 on: August 01, 2008, 08:31:22 PM »

All that sort of thing can be adjusted.  I would not expect spring pressure to lessen with a years playing.  Some players just like the stiff buttons, one argument being that the buttons spring back quicker allowing faster playing.  A 3mm difference in button height/travel is a lot in comparison with typical button travel on a well set up box is only about 3 or 4mm.
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Theo Gibb - Gateshead UK

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tucks

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Re: max action!?!
« Reply #2 on: August 26, 2008, 06:00:31 PM »

Thanks Theo.

So how do I go about loosening the springs? do I need to replace them?
..And adjusting the height of the buttons?

I quiet fancy having a go at these things myself..It would be nice to be able to repair and adjust my own boxes...  but maybe I'm a bit out of my depth?!

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TheStoneCrusher

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Re: max action!?!
« Reply #3 on: September 26, 2008, 12:15:22 AM »

I have an Alessandrini Model 23 with custom work.  I contacted Tonino there and had the springs replaced twice.  In both cases there was no charge for the springs, but I did have to pay $50 for the labor.  Tonino mentioned, in an email I am looking for, that there is a way of bending the existing springs to weaken them and increase the action speed.  On a different box I had I put some thick felt under the buttons to reduce the depth the button could travel.  Presently I have a stepped keyboard - similar to a chromatic accordion.  I play a D/C# from the outside in - the traditional setup.  The stepped keyboard reduces the amount a key can be depressed and it also makes playing notes on the inside row easier because they are physically closer to your fingers.  Unfortunately I have not yet been able to find the email that describes the technique for bending the springs.
Goodwill
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tucks

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Re: max action!?!
« Reply #4 on: November 07, 2008, 10:06:50 AM »

Thanks 'stonecrusher' !

Did you ever find the email?
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