Young Chang Action Bracket Contact

[Terry Farrell]

Expanding brackets again. Haven't seen a growing set for a few years. Does anyone have contact info to obtaining new brackets from YC - preferably email? My foggy recollection is that they are no longer giving any sort of labor reimbursement for the work (I seem to recall they used to give $200) - am I correct that they do not do that anymore?

Thanks!

Weird thing happened when I went to this piano - new customer for me. I'm in the house for ten minutes and then I call the lady over to explain to her about the problem with her piano. As I'm describing the phenomena of growing metal parts in her action, I'm thinking to myself: "man, if someone I didn't know walked into my home and started flapping his gums about growing metal parts in my piano that are going to cost me about a grand, I'd probably show the guy the door pretty darn fast!" I felt so weird telling her about the situation - almost feeling like that if she believes me, she's likely very gullable. Very, very awkward feeling. Didn't like it. :-(

Terry Farrell

[Paul Bruesch]

I do have contact info, but it's at home and I'm not. If no one has responded by the time I get home, I'll send it then (early evening central time.)
Paul Bruesch

[paul bruesch]

I replied privately to Terry because I found the info on my phone before I got home, but wanted to post it here too so everyone can see it (and maybe write it down!) 

New YCA contact info...

phone: 657-200-3490

email: ss...@ycapiano.com

Address:

6000 Phyllis Dr.

Cypress, Ca. 90630

[Phil Bondi]

Terry, I know that feeling. However, googling "expanding action brackets" yields a good amount of information(mis too) about the subject. You could suggest that the next time you see it?

Hope that makes you feel better!

YC- 657-200-3490 (Sam) or ss...@ycpiano.com

-Phil 

[johnp...@piano88.com]

Terry and Phil,

Correction: Young Chang's website shows their email address as
ss...@ycapiano.com.

FYI, if you do a google search for Young Chang you'll find
www.youngchang.com as their webpage. That's a dead end. Drop the "www"
and use youngchang.com.

-John Parham

[Phil Bondi]

John, thanks for that correction.

-Phil 

[Jurgen G]

www.anything.com = anything.com

www.youngchang works for me!  Firefox 23.0.1

[Terry Farrell]

Thanks Phil - I will do that next time. I thought I was so darn smart going to the Young Chang web site with the piano owners, but of course their site had nothing on it about bad brackets.

I reckon I'll have to get someone else to do the thinnin' around here next time!  ;-)

Terry Farrell

[Krystal Zhang]

Hi Terry, 

I know this is pretty old thread. We just realized our YC piano has this expending action bracket issue. :(. I emailed YC for assistant, but they basically said they aren't honor any of these warranty anymore, which really sucks. Any information you could share with us is highly appreciated.

thanks
Krystal

[Paul McCloud]

Here's contact with the parts guy from YC: ser...@pal-sound.com. He can supply the brackets, but I don't know how much it will cost. Years ago, there was a lifetime warrantee on action parts for these pianos, so they should have honored that. I've not done one of these jobs for a long time, so I don't know if they will pay a tech to do it anymore.
Good luck.
Paul McCloud
San Diego

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[Joseph Garrett]

I hate to say this, but let's face it. The pianos in question are well over 30 years old! What object in your house is that age and you: 1. Still own it? 2. It still functions? 3. It has a "lifetime guarantee"? 4. The company that made still exists? I suspect the answer is None of the above, with the exception of the piano.
Why is it that piano people think their pianos are ageless and forever?
Just pay to have it fixed and be done with it. Play it. Love/hate it. Whatever. Just don't expect technicians to come up a "magic bullet", please. For the most part, pianos are probably the only manufactured item in the world that CAN be fixed! <G> End of rant.
Joe

Captain of the Tool Police
Squares R I
gpianoworks.com

>To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/pianotech/2129298069.1550.1577833650841.JavaMail.Paul%40Accutone.

[William Monroe]

You should expect to pay about $50 USD for a set of brackets now. And as that suggests, technicians are no longer compensated for either the parts or the labor. This job is now a strict “repair,” rather than any sort of warranty.

Another contact option is:
vince...@pal-sound.com

Or, you can submit a request for parts online at:
http://youngchang.com/downloads/

Good luck.

William R. Monroe, RPT


> On Dec 31, 2019, at 5:07 PM, Paul McCloud <pava...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Here's contact with the parts guy from YC: ser...@pal-sound.com. He can supply the brackets, but I don't know how much it will cost. Years ago, there was a lifetime warrantee on action parts for these pianos, so they should have honored that. I've not done one of these jobs for a long time, so I don't know if they will pay a tech to do it anymore.

> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/pianotech/2129298069.1550.1577833650841.JavaMail.Paul%40Accutone.

[Joe]

> Krystal Zhang wrote:

> We just realized our YC piano has this expending action bracket issue.

Folks, from the original email, I think we should assume that Krystal is a piano owner, not a piano technician. If that’s correct, then:

Krystal,

You should hire a skilled piano technician to handle getting and installing replacement brackets and making the many adjustments that are often needed in order to make the piano action (interior mechanical parts) function as it should.

If you don’t already have a skilled technician, look for one who does piano action rebuilding in your area. You may be able to find a technician through the local Piano Technicians Guild chapter.

Joe DeFazio
Pittsburgh

[Krystal Zhang]

Thanks everyone. Yes, Joe, you are correct, I am not a piano technician, but one of the many average piano owners. I will search online and see if I can locate a skilled technician to help the issue. Silly question, is it worth to fix ( I am afraid it won't be as good as before) or should I look to replace it with a different brand/model? We have a G-157 baby grant YC, it is still playing nicely, just couple of keys showing some minor symptoms. 

I don't know much about the piano repair, but I expected a similar service experience as of owning a car. Since it is indeed the second most expensive household item we own. If the problem is caused by wear and tear, I won't argue who should be paying the bill. However, an manufacturing defect, especially on these critical components, how come a car manufacturer is on the hook for providing repairs related to any outstanding recalls free of charge, but a piano manufacturer can get away from it? I am fairly disappointed that they won't honor the lifetime warranty anymore on action parts for these impacted piano. Why should consumers pick up the bill for a manufacture's mistake? 

Anyways, thank you all for your replies, very helpful. Happy 2020!

Krystal

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[Paul McCloud]

Hi Krystal:
Regarding these warrantee issues, I agree with you that the manufacturer should take responsibility for taking care of it. But the analogy regarding cars doesn't quite fit. Most recalls are done for safety issues. You aren't going to crash your piano if it doesn't play right.
As far as getting a better piano, if it plays to your liking, and sounds good, it would probably be cheaper to have it repaired than to try to sell it in present condition and buy a new (used) one. Having said that, there are lots of good used pianos out there for good prices.
Just my $.02
Paul McCloud

----- Original Message -----
From: "Krystal Zhang" <hiza...@gmail.com>

[Terry Farrell]

Hello Krystal,

As Paul suggested, I agree that most automobile recalls are for safely-related issues. Clearly the YC bracket thing is a defect - they should at least provide the brackets for free - as a matter of principal at the very least.

Be that as it may, what I haven’t seen in this iteration of this thread are the symptoms you are experiencing with your piano. What seems to be the trouble? The classic indicator for YC expanding action brackets is that hammers start to block against strings in one or more areas. Is that happening? Please tell us more!

In what area are you located?

Terry Farrell

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/pianotech/CAA-w%2B5UqSBeg7ToMLgeZVL9VcKJfD98dzhfFkseq%3DxU-mHa0Ng%40mail.gmail.com.

[William Monroe]

And, new brackets make the piano right again. The idea that it wouldn’t be “as good” after action bracket replacement is an unfounded concern. It very clearly will be better.

William R. Monroe, RPT



> On Jan 1, 2020, at 9:55 AM, Paul McCloud <pava...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hi Krystal:

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[Joe]

Krystal Zhang wrote:
>
> ...is it worth to fix ( I am afraid it won't be as good as before) or should I look to replace it with a different brand/model? We have a G-157 baby grant YC, it is still playing nicely, just couple of keys showing some minor symptoms.

If any skilled technician does the work, it will be “better than before.”

The expansion of the brackets will have changed many, many small but very important alignments and adjustments of the action parts in ways that make them function less well. This is true even if you are only noticing a few notes misbehaving.

In the process of replacing the brackets, a skilled technician will redo as many of those adjustments as necessary to return your piano action to functioning at or near as well as it did when It was new. So, you’ll be paying money, but you’ll get a significantly improved piano.

In fact, if you like, this is an opportunity to have other work done to improve the piano even more, such as filing the hammers to improve the piano’s tone, and/or replacing worn key bushings to make the keys move more quietly and precisely, or softening or replacing the knuckles to make the action quieter. You can discuss any such options with the technician giving you an estimate on getting the work done.

And we should ask, did a technician tell you that the action brackets are expanding, or did you diagnose that yourself? There are many other action problems that could be confused with the expanding brackets problem by a non-technician. So, the first step should be having the skilled technician confirm the diagnosis of the problem.

Joe DeFazio
Pittsburgh

[Don]

Hi Krystal,

Repair it, sell it and buy a six foot (185 cm) grand or larger.

Regards,
Don Rose, B.Mus., A.M.U.S., A.MUS., R.P.T.
Non calor sed umor est qui nobis incommodat
mailto:pian...@yahoo.com http://www.donrose.ca/
Box 37181, Regina, SK S4S 7K4
306-539-0716

[Krystal Zhang]

Thank you everyone. Sorry I was on the road in the past couple of days.

I am located in Toronto, Burlington area. We had a technician came in and tuned the piano early in Nov. He recognized the problem and mentioned the hammer is staying in contact with the strings, which caused quite few notes not playing properly. He suggested to regulate the piano after the action brackets being replaced. I wasn't sure if the piano worth all these effort. Now having read all your helpful replies, I will have it fixed first, hopefully not too expensive. If I am satisfied with the result, I might keep it for a bit longer, otherwise, I shall sell it and replace it with a Yamaha, maybe.

thanks!
Krystal

On Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 11:54:05 AM UTC-4, Terry Farrell wrote:

[Terry Farrell]

Your understanding of your piano situation appears clear. From what you’ve described of the comments from your piano tech, that does sound like expanding action brackets.

Keep in mind that any grand piano should have the action regulated every ten years or so. Most don’t see it that often. It is really up to the owner what kind of performance level they are willing to pay for. A highly demanding pianos will want their piano’s action regulation touched up yearly. Most people are content with letting it go for 50 years until some notes stop functioning normally (or until the action brackets expand!). Having said that, a thorough action regulation after the brackets have been replaced perhaps should be looked at as simply doing some much needed regular maintenance rather than it being a repair.

Now if you are in the market anyway for a Yamaha or whatever, you may want to ask your piano tech to do a minimal action regulation to restore function (if needed). Then put the saved $$ toward a nicer piano. Nothing really wrong with a Young Chang - I’ve tuned a number of them that really can be fairly nice. However, your piano, at about 5’2” is really pretty small - and hence will most likely have that fetal grand small piano sound (especially in the bass - rather nasal). Something of equal quality but larger - like maybe closer to 6 feet - will usually sound MUCH, much better - approaching a night-and-day difference. And the longer keys will be noticeable also.

Good luck! Say HI! to Toronto for me next time you are out and about. My first honeymoon was spent in Toronto, and I’ve also had other adventures there many years ago (OMG - Yonge Street!). I love Canana - beautiful place.

Terry Farrell

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[Krystal Zhang]

Thanks Terry! I will keep your suggestions in mind, probably do a minimal job to get it play properly and replace it with a bigger one later.

I will be in Toronto next week, will say hi for you. :) Happy to learn that Toronto brings you some nice memories!

Thanks

Krystal 

Best Regards

On Jan 3, 2020, at 1:54 PM, Terry Farrell <farrellpi...@gmail.com> wrote:

Your understanding of your piano situation appears clear. From what you’ve described of the comments from your piano tech, that does sound like expanding action brackets.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/pianotech/8C19D71D-1B1B-480D-B227-608E80383B19%40gmail.com.

[Tony P.]

So.... Krystal, what was your end result?    I have found a beautiful Weber WG-60 and have purchased it at a steal knowing this may be a fixable issue in the action.   It is delivering on Tuesday.  There are a few strings in the bottom octave that were displaying these symptoms of the expanded brackets and the serial number falls right within the first 500 of production.     All other registers sounded great but I am still planning and prepping to taking it apart as soon as it arrives to check the brackets and swap them out.   I have already inquired with Young Chang about getting replacements and am awaiting word.   I will then have it services and regulated.   I was just curious if you did end up replacing them and if you do agree it is in fact BETTER than before.

Thanks!
Tony

On Friday, January 3, 2020 at 3:01:45 PM UTC-5, Krystal Zhang wrote:

Thanks Terry! I will keep your suggestions in mind, probably do a minimal job to get it play properly and replace it with a bigger one later.

I will be in Toronto next week, will say hi for you. :) Happy to learn that Toronto brings you some nice memories!

Thanks

Krystal 

Best Regards

On Jan 3, 2020, at 1:54 PM, Terry Farrell <farrellpi...@gmail.com> wrote:

Your understanding of your piano situation appears clear. From what you’ve described of the comments from your piano tech, that does sound like expanding action brackets.

Keep in mind that any grand piano should have the action regulated every ten years or so. Most don’t see it that often. It is really up to the owner what kind of performance level they are willing to pay for. A highly demanding pianos will want their piano’s action regulation touched up yearly. Most people are content with letting it go for 50 years until some notes stop functioning normally (or until the action brackets expand!). Having said that, a thorough action regulation after the brackets have been replaced perhaps should be looked at as simply doing some much needed regular maintenance rather than it being a repair.

Now if you are in the market anyway for a Yamaha or whatever, you may want to ask your piano tech to do a minimal action regulation to restore function (if needed). Then put the saved $$ toward a nicer piano. Nothing really wrong with a Young Chang - I’ve tuned a number of them that really can be fairly nice. However, your piano, at about 5’2” is really pretty small - and hence will most likely have that fetal grand small piano sound (especially in the bass - rather nasal). Something of equal quality but larger - like maybe closer to 6 feet - will usually sound MUCH, much better - approaching a night-and-day difference. And the longer keys will be noticeable also.

Good luck! Say HI! to Toronto for me next time you are out and about. My first honeymoon was spent in Toronto, and I’ve also had other adventures there many years ago (OMG - Yonge Street!). I love Canana - beautiful place.

Terry Farrell

On Jan 3, 2020, at 12:55 PM, Krystal Zhang <hiza...@gmail.com> wrote:

Thank you everyone. Sorry I was on the road in the past couple of days.

I am located in Toronto, Burlington area. We had a technician came in and tuned the piano early in Nov. He recognized the problem and mentioned the hammer is staying in contact with the strings, which caused quite few notes not playing properly. He suggested to regulate the piano after the action brackets being replaced. I wasn't sure if the piano worth all these effort. Now having read all your helpful replies, I will have it fixed first, hopefully not too expensive. If I am satisfied with the result, I might keep it for a bit longer, otherwise, I shall sell it and replace it with a Yamaha, maybe.

thanks!
Krystal

On Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 11:54:05 AM UTC-4, Terry Farrell wrote:

Expanding brackets again. Haven't seen a growing set for a few years. Does anyone have contact info to obtaining new brackets from YC - preferably email? My foggy recollection is that they are no longer giving any sort of labor reimbursement for the work (I seem to recall they used to give $200) - am I correct that they do not do that anymore?

Thanks!

Weird thing happened when I went to this piano - new customer for me. I'm in the house for ten minutes and then I call the lady over to explain to her about the problem with her piano. As I'm describing the phenomena of growing metal parts in her action, I'm thinking to myself: "man, if someone I didn't know walked into my home and started flapping his gums about growing metal parts in my piano that are going to cost me about a grand, I'd probably show the guy the door pretty darn fast!"  I felt so weird telling her about the situation - almost feeling like that if she believes me, she's likely very gullable. Very, very awkward feeling. Didn't like it.  :-(

Terry Farrell

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