Pianotech

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Don't you just hate it when the pins are not at an even height?

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

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@pianocapecod.com
http://www.pianocapecod.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Oh, I don't know. Pins are fairly close to being even - about six inches off the plate!

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 08:13
From: Jon Page
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Don't you just hate it when the pins are not at an even height?

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

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@pianocapecod.com
http://www.pianocapecod.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

I had this issue with a new German keyset (not Kluge). We ironed and eased numerous times, spent a huge amount of time doing this multiple times. Each time we did it, it seemed like we corrected the friction issue, only to find, a week later, the keys were not moving again...really frustrating waste of time and money. Finally, we ended up re-bushing the new keyset, which really put me off ordering new keysets. Now I just do a high end key restoration in our shop, an maintain control of the quality ourselves, not to mention install  mineral plastic key tops.

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 08:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Oh, I don't know. Pins are fairly close to being even - about six inches off the plate!

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 08:13
From: Jon Page
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Don't you just hate it when the pins are not at an even height?

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

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@pianocapecod.com
http://www.pianocapecod.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Looks like a can of worms has landed in your lap. What is the tuning pin torque and condition of the pin block ? Either it was very sloppy stringing or the pins have moved out of the block or.....  As far as too thick bushings certainly sounds that way but I would not waste time and effort trying to iron them. The keypins should be measured with a micrometer and bushing material selected accordingly. Two other things to check for are too much glue in the mortises and the balance hole in the key. Take a few keys out and rebush them to see if it helps. I would recommend shipping them all off to a key service such as Walker in Kentucky. There could also be other issues why there is slow like center pinning, action spread, wear on other parts. If you have not done it use a gram gauge and check hammer flange and whippens . Visual inspection can be deceiving .Some of the tuning pin bushings look discolored and some have paint overspray. What brand of piano is it ?

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Well, there is one wire and only one wire on every pin. I suppose that is a good thing.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

I don't know about that Susan...two wires per string could really cut down on tuning time...just think of it!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 13:36
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Well, there is one wire and only one wire on every pin. I suppose that is a good thing.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

I can see the sales pitch from here --- you will never have to pay to get this piano tuned! (never mind that with two strings per wire, it cannot be tuned.)

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 14:36
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I don't know about that Susan...two wires per string could really cut down on tuning time...just think of it!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 13:36
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Well, there is one wire and only one wire on every pin. I suppose that is a good thing.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Its all a question of spin. The most important thing is to come up with a name for our patent...How about "Hypo Dual Tuning System"?  From there, the money will just start rolling in!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 15:07
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I can see the sales pitch from here --- you will never have to pay to get this piano tuned! (never mind that with two strings per wire, it cannot be tuned.)

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 14:36
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I don't know about that Susan...two wires per string could really cut down on tuning time...just think of it!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 13:36
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Well, there is one wire and only one wire on every pin. I suppose that is a good thing.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Maybe "knotted hypoxia tuneless system."

Nah, nobody would go for that. But short of drilling a second hole in the tuning pins, the only way to get two wires on each would be to knot them together.

We've probably run this notion right into the ground by now .............

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 16:45
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Its all a question of spin. The most important thing is to come up with a name for our patent...How about "Hypo Dual Tuning System"?  From there, the money will just start rolling in!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 15:07
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I can see the sales pitch from here --- you will never have to pay to get this piano tuned! (never mind that with two strings per wire, it cannot be tuned.)

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 14:36
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I don't know about that Susan...two wires per string could really cut down on tuning time...just think of it!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 13:36
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Well, there is one wire and only one wire on every pin. I suppose that is a good thing.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Terry,

What have you decided to do? (With the bushings)

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 19:21
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Maybe "knotted hypoxia tuneless system."

Nah, nobody would go for that. But short of drilling a second hole in the tuning pins, the only way to get two wires on each would be to knot them together.

We've probably run this notion right into the ground by now .............

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 16:45
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Its all a question of spin. The most important thing is to come up with a name for our patent...How about "Hypo Dual Tuning System"?  From there, the money will just start rolling in!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 15:07
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I can see the sales pitch from here --- you will never have to pay to get this piano tuned! (never mind that with two strings per wire, it cannot be tuned.)

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 14:36
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I don't know about that Susan...two wires per string could really cut down on tuning time...just think of it!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 13:36
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Well, there is one wire and only one wire on every pin. I suppose that is a good thing.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Peter G. asked: "What have you decided to do? (With the bushings)"

I hate to keep you in suspense, but we've put it off until February. If I do the work, I'll report back....

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 08:57
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Terry,

What have you decided to do? (With the bushings)

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 19:21
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Maybe "knotted hypoxia tuneless system."

Nah, nobody would go for that. But short of drilling a second hole in the tuning pins, the only way to get two wires on each would be to knot them together.

We've probably run this notion right into the ground by now .............

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 16:45
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Its all a question of spin. The most important thing is to come up with a name for our patent...How about "Hypo Dual Tuning System"?  From there, the money will just start rolling in!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 15:07
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I can see the sales pitch from here --- you will never have to pay to get this piano tuned! (never mind that with two strings per wire, it cannot be tuned.)

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 14:36
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I don't know about that Susan...two wires per string could really cut down on tuning time...just think of it!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 13:36
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Well, there is one wire and only one wire on every pin. I suppose that is a good thing.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

I worked briefly in an old shop which didn't use sized keybushing cauls, they used the old spring clip cauls and thick cloth.
The finishing technique was to use an exacto knife to "shave" the bushing to fit the pin.
On the piano you reference, this might be appropriate.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 16:54
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Peter G. asked: "What have you decided to do? (With the bushings)"

I hate to keep you in suspense, but we've put it off until February. If I do the work, I'll report back....

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 08:57
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Terry,

What have you decided to do? (With the bushings)

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 19:21
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Maybe "knotted hypoxia tuneless system."

Nah, nobody would go for that. But short of drilling a second hole in the tuning pins, the only way to get two wires on each would be to knot them together.

We've probably run this notion right into the ground by now .............

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 16:45
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Its all a question of spin. The most important thing is to come up with a name for our patent...How about "Hypo Dual Tuning System"?  From there, the money will just start rolling in!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 15:07
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I can see the sales pitch from here --- you will never have to pay to get this piano tuned! (never mind that with two strings per wire, it cannot be tuned.)

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 14:36
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I don't know about that Susan...two wires per string could really cut down on tuning time...just think of it!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 13:36
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Well, there is one wire and only one wire on every pin. I suppose that is a good thing.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

I recently went to tune an old Schiller upright that had been refurbished, all the work looked pretty nicely or at least adequately done, but a lot of keys were sluggish.  I checked the front bushings and they had been replaced but extended into the key mortise about 1/2" or more.  I showed the customer the problem, took the keys home and rebushed them.  Problem solved.
I would just rebush them.  
That is, if you can tune the piano! :)

------------------------------
Laura Wright, RPT
Ivory Keys Piano Service
Durango CO
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2019 18:58
From: Ed Sutton
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I worked briefly in an old shop which didn't use sized keybushing cauls, they used the old spring clip cauls and thick cloth.
The finishing technique was to use an exacto knife to "shave" the bushing to fit the pin.
On the piano you reference, this might be appropriate.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 16:54
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Peter G. asked: "What have you decided to do? (With the bushings)"

I hate to keep you in suspense, but we've put it off until February. If I do the work, I'll report back....

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 08:57
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Terry,

What have you decided to do? (With the bushings)

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 19:21
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Maybe "knotted hypoxia tuneless system."

Nah, nobody would go for that. But short of drilling a second hole in the tuning pins, the only way to get two wires on each would be to knot them together.

We've probably run this notion right into the ground by now .............

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 16:45
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Its all a question of spin. The most important thing is to come up with a name for our patent...How about "Hypo Dual Tuning System"?  From there, the money will just start rolling in!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 15:07
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I can see the sales pitch from here --- you will never have to pay to get this piano tuned! (never mind that with two strings per wire, it cannot be tuned.)

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 14:36
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I don't know about that Susan...two wires per string could really cut down on tuning time...just think of it!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 13:36
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Well, there is one wire and only one wire on every pin. I suppose that is a good thing.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

For bushings that are too long but adequate thickness, I use a chisel point Exacto knife to trim the felt. this also cleans any glue bead on ones that are not too long. After rebushing a set, I run the knife on each side to check for any glue bead that may have formed.

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

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@pianocapecod.com
http://www.pianocapecod.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2019 19:24
From: Laura Wright
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I recently went to tune an old Schiller upright that had been refurbished, all the work looked pretty nicely or at least adequately done, but a lot of keys were sluggish.  I checked the front bushings and they had been replaced but extended into the key mortise about 1/2" or more.  I showed the customer the problem, took the keys home and rebushed them.  Problem solved.
I would just rebush them.
That is, if you can tune the piano! :)

------------------------------
Laura Wright, RPT
Ivory Keys Piano Service
Durango CO

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2019 18:58
From: Ed Sutton
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I worked briefly in an old shop which didn't use sized keybushing cauls, they used the old spring clip cauls and thick cloth.
The finishing technique was to use an exacto knife to "shave" the bushing to fit the pin.
On the piano you reference, this might be appropriate.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 16:54
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Peter G. asked: "What have you decided to do? (With the bushings)"

I hate to keep you in suspense, but we've put it off until February. If I do the work, I'll report back....

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 08:57
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Terry,

What have you decided to do? (With the bushings)

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 19:21
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Maybe "knotted hypoxia tuneless system."

Nah, nobody would go for that. But short of drilling a second hole in the tuning pins, the only way to get two wires on each would be to knot them together.

We've probably run this notion right into the ground by now .............

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 16:45
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Its all a question of spin. The most important thing is to come up with a name for our patent...How about "Hypo Dual Tuning System"?  From there, the money will just start rolling in!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 15:07
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I can see the sales pitch from here --- you will never have to pay to get this piano tuned! (never mind that with two strings per wire, it cannot be tuned.)

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 14:36
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I don't know about that Susan...two wires per string could really cut down on tuning time...just think of it!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 13:36
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Well, there is one wire and only one wire on every pin. I suppose that is a good thing.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Jon P. wrote: "After rebushing a set, I run the knife on each side to check for any glue bead that may have formed."

I'm likely missing the obvious, but can you describe in more detail what/where you are running a chisel-bladed Exacto? Are you speaking of running it into the just-bushed mortice along the face of the felt and looking for any glue bead that may have formed at the edge of the felt bushing closest to the inner-most end of the key mortice?

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2019 19:50
From: Jon Page
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

For bushings that are too long but adequate thickness, I use a chisel point Exacto knife to trim the felt. this also cleans any glue bead on ones that are not too long. After rebushing a set, I run the knife on each side to check for any glue bead that may have formed.

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

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@pianocapecod.com
http://www.pianocapecod.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2019 19:24
From: Laura Wright
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I recently went to tune an old Schiller upright that had been refurbished, all the work looked pretty nicely or at least adequately done, but a lot of keys were sluggish.  I checked the front bushings and they had been replaced but extended into the key mortise about 1/2" or more.  I showed the customer the problem, took the keys home and rebushed them.  Problem solved.
I would just rebush them.
That is, if you can tune the piano! :)

------------------------------
Laura Wright, RPT
Ivory Keys Piano Service
Durango CO

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2019 18:58
From: Ed Sutton
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I worked briefly in an old shop which didn't use sized keybushing cauls, they used the old spring clip cauls and thick cloth.
The finishing technique was to use an exacto knife to "shave" the bushing to fit the pin.
On the piano you reference, this might be appropriate.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 16:54
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Peter G. asked: "What have you decided to do? (With the bushings)"

I hate to keep you in suspense, but we've put it off until February. If I do the work, I'll report back....

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 08:57
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Terry,

What have you decided to do? (With the bushings)

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 19:21
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Maybe "knotted hypoxia tuneless system."

Nah, nobody would go for that. But short of drilling a second hole in the tuning pins, the only way to get two wires on each would be to knot them together.

We've probably run this notion right into the ground by now .............

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 16:45
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Its all a question of spin. The most important thing is to come up with a name for our patent...How about "Hypo Dual Tuning System"?  From there, the money will just start rolling in!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 15:07
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I can see the sales pitch from here --- you will never have to pay to get this piano tuned! (never mind that with two strings per wire, it cannot be tuned.)

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 14:36
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I don't know about that Susan...two wires per string could really cut down on tuning time...just think of it!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 13:36
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Well, there is one wire and only one wire on every pin. I suppose that is a good thing.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Terry, correct. You can also angle the blade and cut into the felt on bushings that extend too far into the mortice.  I just did exactly that on a rebushed action where the excessive length caused binding. I trimmed the bushing to a proper length, applied Teflon powder and ironed with and KBI.

Even after I install new bushings with the Bushmaster system, I check for a bead at the end of the felt. I usually find a few that otherwise would have gone unnoticed and caused friction issues down the road.

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

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@pianocapecod.com
http://www.pianocapecod.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-16-2019 06:02
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Jon P. wrote: "After rebushing a set, I run the knife on each side to check for any glue bead that may have formed."

I'm likely missing the obvious, but can you describe in more detail what/where you are running a chisel-bladed Exacto? Are you speaking of running it into the just-bushed mortice along the face of the felt and looking for any glue bead that may have formed at the edge of the felt bushing closest to the inner-most end of the key mortice?

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2019 19:50
From: Jon Page
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

For bushings that are too long but adequate thickness, I use a chisel point Exacto knife to trim the felt. this also cleans any glue bead on ones that are not too long. After rebushing a set, I run the knife on each side to check for any glue bead that may have formed.

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

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@pianocapecod.com
http://www.pianocapecod.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2019 19:24
From: Laura Wright
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I recently went to tune an old Schiller upright that had been refurbished, all the work looked pretty nicely or at least adequately done, but a lot of keys were sluggish.  I checked the front bushings and they had been replaced but extended into the key mortise about 1/2" or more.  I showed the customer the problem, took the keys home and rebushed them.  Problem solved.
I would just rebush them.
That is, if you can tune the piano! :)

------------------------------
Laura Wright, RPT
Ivory Keys Piano Service
Durango CO

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2019 18:58
From: Ed Sutton
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I worked briefly in an old shop which didn't use sized keybushing cauls, they used the old spring clip cauls and thick cloth.
The finishing technique was to use an exacto knife to "shave" the bushing to fit the pin.
On the piano you reference, this might be appropriate.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 16:54
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Peter G. asked: "What have you decided to do? (With the bushings)"

I hate to keep you in suspense, but we've put it off until February. If I do the work, I'll report back....

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 08:57
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Terry,

What have you decided to do? (With the bushings)

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 19:21
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Maybe "knotted hypoxia tuneless system."

Nah, nobody would go for that. But short of drilling a second hole in the tuning pins, the only way to get two wires on each would be to knot them together.

We've probably run this notion right into the ground by now .............

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 16:45
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Its all a question of spin. The most important thing is to come up with a name for our patent...How about "Hypo Dual Tuning System"?  From there, the money will just start rolling in!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 15:07
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I can see the sales pitch from here --- you will never have to pay to get this piano tuned! (never mind that with two strings per wire, it cannot be tuned.)

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 14:36
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I don't know about that Susan...two wires per string could really cut down on tuning time...just think of it!

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 13:36
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

Well, there is one wire and only one wire on every pin. I suppose that is a good thing.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2019 06:21
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Key Bushings Too Thick?

I have a customer with an old American grand piano. Someone "rebuilt" it sometime in the recent-ish past. The action is as slow as molasses. Upon inspection, it was clear that the action parts on the stack are quite free and all the excess friction is in the keys. None appear to be rubbing or otherwise interfering with anything. I think all the excess friction is in the key bushings. Without taking the action apart, what I could see of the keypins, they were corrosion-free. My visual inspection of the key bushings suggest they may be too thick. They appear to really be wrapped around the center rail keypins.

So I was planning on using my key bushing iron and ironing the bushings to free things up. Certainly I've done that before. But I don't know that I've ever tried doing that on a set of keys where perhaps the key bushings were not the correct size initially - they are too thick. So how much excess key bushing thickness can one iron out? Even if I can, will it last? Anyone with any experience with such a situation? Obviously, if ironing doesn't last, I can always propose replacing the key bushings with the correct thickness. But except for the family heirloom aspect of this piano (1914 Stark), I'm not sure it is worth a set of new key bushings......   :-(

Picture attached is not of the key bushings, but of the tuning pin coils on this beautifully "rebuilt" piano. Look and weep......

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------