Pianotech

  • 1.  protea agraffes and capo bar

    Member
    Posted 09-06-2018 18:10
    Hi folks,

    Lately I've come across pianos that have pretty awful rendering while tuning. I'd like to know how some of you handle applying Protek (or some other preferred material) to the string contact points like the agraffes and capo bar. 

    Thanks,
    Happy Tuning!
    Jeff Farris

    ------------------------------
    Jeff Farris
    Austin TX
    512-636-1914
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: protea agraffes and capo bar

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-06-2018 19:04
    Hi Jeff:
    I sometimes do this. If there is bearing felt, I'll put some on there too. It's more effective on the felt. I've heard of some guys using Prolube.
    Paul McCloud
    San DIego


    Jeff Farris
    Hi folks,

    Lately I've come across pianos that have pretty awful rendering while tuning. I'd like to know how some of you handle applying Protek (or some other preferred material) to the string contact points like the agraffes and capo bar.

    Thanks,
    Happy Tuning!
    Jeff Farris

    ------------------------------
    Jeff Farris
    Austin TX
    512-636-1914





  • 3.  RE: protea agraffes and capo bar

    Posted 09-06-2018 21:20
    I apply Goose Juice (Joe Goss') all the time to felt and bearings.

    ------------------------------
    Regards,

    Jon Page
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: protea agraffes and capo bar

    Posted 09-06-2018 21:30
    I use Protek CLP and Prolube quite a bit. I apply it with a hypo oiler at the top of the pressure bar, under it and, like Paul described, in the felt. It seems to work best right after you apply it, so recently I've been applying it to a section and then tune that section. It helps with the rendering but I also think it helps with stability because it helps the string to move and get set in one spot better. Usually the kind of piano that won't render well has tight pins so even with the lubricant it stays in tune. Don't be afraid about using too much because it's safe for wood and felt.

    ------------------------------
    "That Tuning Guy"
    Scott Kerns
    www.thattuningguy.com
    Tunic OnlyPure, TuneLab & Easy Piano Tuner user
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: protea agraffes and capo bar

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-17-2018 22:52
    I use protek. Corrosion on the strings is not uncommon here, generally the rust will be on the top of string with none or not much on the bottom, I think because of the settling of dust. If the strings are rusty to the point where I think it will have a large effect on rendering or that there could be breakage I use it. I apply it with a 1/2 inch chip-brush on the felt and front bearing points. Of course you want to steer clear of the tuning pins but also take care that it doesn't run through the agraffes to the windings of the bass strings. So I make sure the brush is fairly dry when I apply to that area. I think it helps most where the strings run across the felt. I use it mostly on grands but occasionally on uprights as well when I have reason to fear breakage.
    It does help with the rendering. At the same time, all things being equal i.e. good strings and good bearing points, I have found that I don't like the feeling of the lubricated strings, they feel better dry.
    But as I say, it helps  the rendering with rusty strings, and I believe it provides a little insurance against breakage in such conditions.

    ------------------------------
    Steven Rosenthal
    Honolulu HI

    ------------------------------