Pianotech

  • 1.  Knuckle/backcheck reconditioning

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-02-2024 15:39
    Does anyone have experience reconditioning the buckskin on knuckles and or back checks? I’m particularly interested in the era of Steinways approximately serial numbers
    530000-575000. I have found that the buckskin gets extremely dry and hard, causing lots of noise and bouncing, and does not take Teflon powder (knuckles) very well.

    Joe Wiencek


  • 2.  RE: Knuckle/backcheck reconditioning

    Posted 02-02-2024 19:11

    Joe I have seen some people have limited success getting through the very hard layer by using very coarse sandpaper or a wire brush. Good luck Mike



    ------------------------------
    [Michael] [Morvan]
    [Blackstone Valley Piano and Organ]
    michaelmorvan9@gmail.com

    [Uxbridge] [MA] 01569
    [508-340-6443]
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Knuckle/backcheck reconditioning

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-03-2024 15:58
    Thank you Mike. I have wire brushed the knuckles. It helps some, but that particular buckskin still maintains a very dry surface.

    Joe


    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Knuckle/backcheck reconditioning

    Posted 02-03-2024 16:02
    Hides need oil.




    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Knuckle/backcheck reconditioning

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-03-2024 16:41
    Chris,
    What kind of oil?

    Joe



    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Knuckle/backcheck reconditioning

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-03-2024 17:28

    Fiebings  or  Mink  oil.  Visit a saddle shop   or go to Tandy leather  online.



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    Parker Leigh RPT
    Winchester VA
    (540) 722-3865
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Knuckle/backcheck reconditioning

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-03-2024 23:04
    This is interesting.  I'm going to try it out on some old back checks I have with the same condition. 
    Thank you. 

    Joe



    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Knuckle/backcheck reconditioning

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-04-2024 02:20
    Have you tried running say a darning needle in between the underside of the leather and the felt core of the knuckle? Move it around the 'circle' of the core.
    Try a couple and see if it makes a difference. If it does, be prepared to do a new hammer line as it will raise them up. 



    Original Message