Low D Pedal Not Working on D-152 :-(

[Doctor Robert]

Howdy folks--

My low D Pedal on the pedal keyboard of my D-152 isn't working, and I'm wondering what the proper fix is for it? I have an injured (and very painful) left shoulder and arm, so it was very difficult (and did I mention, painful?) endeavor to slide the pedalboard out to investigate. I ascertained that the note will sound if I push the button manually, but for whatever reason, it's apparently not making contact when I depress the pedal. I'm loath to bend the metal tab for fear of breaking it and I can't tell if it's aligned properly when it's out. Do I need to add something to the end of the tab to give it more reach?

And probably a stupid question, but is attaching pedalboards a one or two man job? It's very difficult for me to do because of my injury (and age, I suppose), and my wife isn't strong enough to help me. I'm loathe to call a repairman out for what appears to be an easy fix. If I were to call an organ repairman out to the house, what would be a reasonable charge for him to fix this? Thanks!

[JoeyB3]

Having a Concert E with the same AGO pedalboard, I can tell you that there is more wiggle room for a proper alignment between the tongue of the pedal and the actuator then there is with the 25 pedal variety. If it sounds when you depress the actuator, you're gonna have to go in there and adjust. It's that simple....painful or not!

It is best to do from behind the organ...you can access everything from the rear and can see how everything lines up much easier than to try and manage it from the front....though moving the organ away from a wall may not be the easiest of tasks if you are working alone.

As for attaching the pedalclavier....for the standard 25 pedal variety it is an easy 1 man job. For the AGO style...I advise you recruit a volunteer to assist....it's so much easier when one person is on either side and you can simply slide the assembly in or out.

[geoelectro]

Normally, the tab that pushes the contact button simply moves out of position. By removing the back, the whole thing is clearly revealed. Just moving it back into position will correct it.
Now, if it moves often, it needs to be tightened. I find these systems get loose over time and a good tightening will keep it running. My technique is to adjust them while the pedals are in place, from the back. I also check the side to side play of each pedal to make sure it is centered and stays on the contact button in all positions. (If it doesn't, the side felts need to be replaced) Once satisfied, I remove the pedals, stand them up and tighten each pusher. Then put it all back and recheck.
I do this for a living and don't mind charging for this because it's hard work! I pull them out and in by myself. I've has cases where the organ was sitting in a cubicle and only had inches between the end of the pedals and the wall. I've had to pull them out while lifting them up etc. to get them out. Going back even harder!! My service call is $130.00. It would include cleaning and oiling.
I'm loathe paying doctors...
BTW I just restored a Wurlitzer 200. :)

Geo

[Doctor Robert]

Thank you! Very helpful! I didn’t know that I could approach it from behind the Organ but it makes perfect sense.

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Thanks to both of the gentlemen who have responded! I will do as you both advise. Thank goodness for the Organforum!