Pianotech

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help

I took all of you all's advice to heart and completed the job today.  I carefully lubed every action center and paid special attention to the wippen and jack centers.  I am pretty sure the balance rail holes were too tight, so I eased them a bit, sprayed teflon in the front bushings, put McLube on the balance rail and front keybed pins.  I put the action back in and strengthened a few jack springs, took out lost motion and tested the piano while keeping the damper pedal depressed.  The jacks tripped correctly and there was no more sluggishness.  I did not replace any Corfam butts as I think it would have been too costly for the customer even at my reduced rates.  It looks like it was not the Corfam that was the problem.  Thank you all so much!!

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help

Patrick,

Wondering what Teflon spray you found. 

I took all of you all's advice to heart and completed the job today.  I carefully lubed every action center and paid special attention to the wippen and jack centers.  I am pretty sure the balance rail holes were too tight, so I eased them a bit, sprayed teflon in the front bushings, put McLube on the balance rail and front keybed pins.  I put the action back in and strengthened a few jack springs, took out lost motion and tested the piano while keeping the damper pedal depressed.  The jacks tripped correctly and there was no more sluggishness.  I did not replace any Corfam butts as I think it would have been too costly for the customer even at my reduced rates.  It looks like it was not the Corfam that was the problem.  Thank you all so much!!

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help

I misspoke.  It TFL50 Dry Lube.  I have always called it Teflon spray when it clearly says on the side "PTFE dry lubricant"

Patrick,

Wondering what Teflon spray you found. 

I took all of you all's advice to heart and completed the job today.  I carefully lubed every action center and paid special attention to the wippen and jack centers.  I am pretty sure the balance rail holes were too tight, so I eased them a bit, sprayed teflon in the front bushings, put McLube on the balance rail and front keybed pins.  I put the action back in and strengthened a few jack springs, took out lost motion and tested the piano while keeping the damper pedal depressed.  The jacks tripped correctly and there was no more sluggishness.  I did not replace any Corfam butts as I think it would have been too costly for the customer even at my reduced rates.  It looks like it was not the Corfam that was the problem.  Thank you all so much!!

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help

I misspoke.  It TFL50 Dry Lube.  I have always called it Teflon spray when it clearly says on the side "PTFE dry lubricant"

Patrick,

Wondering what Teflon spray you found. 

I took all of you all's advice to heart and completed the job today.  I carefully lubed every action center and paid special attention to the wippen and jack centers.  I am pretty sure the balance rail holes were too tight, so I eased them a bit, sprayed teflon in the front bushings, put McLube on the balance rail and front keybed pins.  I put the action back in and strengthened a few jack springs, took out lost motion and tested the piano while keeping the damper pedal depressed.  The jacks tripped correctly and there was no more sluggishness.  I did not replace any Corfam butts as I think it would have been too costly for the customer even at my reduced rates.  It looks like it was not the Corfam that was the problem.  Thank you all so much!!

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help

I misspoke.  It TFL50 Dry Lube.  I have always called it Teflon spray when it clearly says on the side "PTFE dry lubricant"

Patrick,

Wondering what Teflon spray you found. 

I took all of you all's advice to heart and completed the job today.  I carefully lubed every action center and paid special attention to the wippen and jack centers.  I am pretty sure the balance rail holes were too tight, so I eased them a bit, sprayed teflon in the front bushings, put McLube on the balance rail and front keybed pins.  I put the action back in and strengthened a few jack springs, took out lost motion and tested the piano while keeping the damper pedal depressed.  The jacks tripped correctly and there was no more sluggishness.  I did not replace any Corfam butts as I think it would have been too costly for the customer even at my reduced rates.  It looks like it was not the Corfam that was the problem.  Thank you all so much!!

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help

Hey Chris,  where does a person get TSI 301 and Boron nitride in spray form is not cheap!  I found it on Amazon for $100 for two aerosol spray cans.

I misspoke.  It TFL50 Dry Lube.  I have always called it Teflon spray when it clearly says on the side "PTFE dry lubricant"

Patrick,

Wondering what Teflon spray you found. 

I took all of you all's advice to heart and completed the job today.  I carefully lubed every action center and paid special attention to the wippen and jack centers.  I am pretty sure the balance rail holes were too tight, so I eased them a bit, sprayed teflon in the front bushings, put McLube on the balance rail and front keybed pins.  I put the action back in and strengthened a few jack springs, took out lost motion and tested the piano while keeping the damper pedal depressed.  The jacks tripped correctly and there was no more sluggishness.  I did not replace any Corfam butts as I think it would have been too costly for the customer even at my reduced rates.  It looks like it was not the Corfam that was the problem.  Thank you all so much!!

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help

Hey Chris,  where does a person get TSI 301 and Boron nitride in spray form is not cheap!  I found it on Amazon for $100 for two aerosol spray cans.

I misspoke.  It TFL50 Dry Lube.  I have always called it Teflon spray when it clearly says on the side "PTFE dry lubricant"

Patrick,

Wondering what Teflon spray you found. 

I took all of you all's advice to heart and completed the job today.  I carefully lubed every action center and paid special attention to the wippen and jack centers.  I am pretty sure the balance rail holes were too tight, so I eased them a bit, sprayed teflon in the front bushings, put McLube on the balance rail and front keybed pins.  I put the action back in and strengthened a few jack springs, took out lost motion and tested the piano while keeping the damper pedal depressed.  The jacks tripped correctly and there was no more sluggishness.  I did not replace any Corfam butts as I think it would have been too costly for the customer even at my reduced rates.  It looks like it was not the Corfam that was the problem.  Thank you all so much!!

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help

I misspoke.  It TFL50 Dry Lube.  I have always called it Teflon spray when it clearly says on the side "PTFE dry lubricant"

Patrick,

Wondering what Teflon spray you found. 

I took all of you all's advice to heart and completed the job today.  I carefully lubed every action center and paid special attention to the wippen and jack centers.  I am pretty sure the balance rail holes were too tight, so I eased them a bit, sprayed teflon in the front bushings, put McLube on the balance rail and front keybed pins.  I put the action back in and strengthened a few jack springs, took out lost motion and tested the piano while keeping the damper pedal depressed.  The jacks tripped correctly and there was no more sluggishness.  I did not replace any Corfam butts as I think it would have been too costly for the customer even at my reduced rates.  It looks like it was not the Corfam that was the problem.  Thank you all so much!!

I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action.  When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter.  The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough.  At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish..  Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened.  I  was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I  try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that.  Do you all have any idea what it could be?  Thanks for any help