Prewar Hammonds with square edge keys - removal

[Drawbar Dave]

Hi folks

As part of the repair work on my BC I am going to be changing the up and downstop felts. I have done this on all of my consoles. Usually I remove the keys at the same time to wash them thoroughly.

When I had the drawbar base removed yesterday I noticed that these keys are attached and sprung in a different way to the ‘3 series organs I have owned. Is it a case of just removing each nut and spring to release the keys? When they are refitted are the nuts just replaced or do the keys have to be tensioned with a weight on top of them? I have read something in the past about putting weights on keys to get the level/spring force adjusted but I cannot find it now. I have googled this question a few times over the weekend but cannot find the answer.

Best
Dave

[enor]

Hi folks

As part of the repair work on my BC I am going to be changing the up and downstop felts. I have done this on all of my consoles. Usually I remove the keys at the same time to wash them thoroughly.

When I had the drawbar base removed yesterday I noticed that these keys are attached and sprung in a different way to the ‘3 series organs I have owned. Is it a case of just removing each nut and spring to release the keys? When they are refitted are the nuts just replaced or do the keys have to be tensioned with a weight on top of them? I have read something in the past about putting weights on keys to get the level/spring force adjusted but I cannot find it now. I have googled this question a few times over the weekend but cannot find the answer.

Best
Dave

Yes, it's just a matter of removing the nuts, but they have to be tensioned afterwards as you suspect.

Individually adjustable key tension - It's a rather neat feature that it's a shame that they took away on later models!

[Drawbar Dave]

Yes, it's just a matter of removing the nuts, but they have to be tensioned afterwards as you suspect.

Individually adjustable key tension - It's a rather neat feature that it's a shame that they took away on later models!

I had better read the service manual then!

[Drawbar Dave]

I’ve been through the service manual today and was unable to find any guidance. I found one Organ Forum post related to this subject which suggested 1oz weights for spinets and 2oz for consoles. There was also suggestions that 1 oz was used in the factory. Has anyone removed their keys on an early console for cleaning that can give advice on regulating the keys when they are replaced?

[enor]

I’ve been through the service manual today and was unable to find any guidance. I found one Organ Forum post related to this subject which suggested 1oz weights for spinets and 2oz for consoles. There was also suggestions that 1 oz was used in the factory. Has anyone removed their keys on an early console for cleaning that can give advice on regulating the keys when they are replaced?

I "took measurements" prior to removing them (I used metal washers as weights); then just set them at the same tension when re-installing. Don't overthink it.

[Drawbar Dave]

I "took measurements" prior to removing them (I used metal washers as weights); then just set them at the same tension when re-installing. Don't overthink it.

Great idea Enor! Thanks

[BoaterCanuck]

I have a Northern Hammond BC with the spring and nut configuration. I removed all the keys and swapped them with keys with a radius on the sides and front (x3), all but 2 octaves which I beveled by hand. Can't tell the difference.

According to sweet pete, he used a stack of nickels to get the action adjusted correctly. I forget how many so pm him for his advice. He swapped the keys on his BC as well.