The following came from a 32 page pamphlet I found called Steinway Logic which was published by Steinway sometime after the accelerated action was a feature
Steinway action flanges are waterproofed
by being boiled in paraffin.
This prevents shrinking which causes
rattles and non-alignment of the
action parts.
The Duplex Scale is an invention of Steinway
& Sons. It imparts additional color to the
fundamental tone by the addition of harmonious
partial tones. Just as pure sunlight
consists of the combination of the seven
colors appearing in the rainbow, so the
beauty of tone in stringed instruments depends
upon the proper subdivision of the
partial in combination with the fundamental
tones.
[
I am wondering if this practice is/was the cause of verdigris in older Steinways and how you could boil an action flange without cracking the wooden flanges and affecting the glue on bushings. The booklet also mentions using waterproofing on the sides of hammer felt to keep it from coming loose from the molding. No mention is made of how the waterproofing is done or what is used.
I would think paraffin would leave a waxy type residue on the wood and it would get sticky when humidity climbed and that it would also attract dust and dirt . We hear that verdigris was a result of using animal tallow or fat as a lubricant but maybe paraffin is to blame..
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James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
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