Pianotech

  • 1.  Mclube 444 vs. 444A

    Posted 12-06-2022 18:56
    Hi, folks.
    I'm looking to buy some McLube 444, but I'm having trouble finding it. Instead, I'm often finding McLube 444A. It also seems that 444A is sold at a better price per ounce than 444.

    Here's my question: Is there a meaningful difference between the two? Is 444A the same as 444?

    Thanks

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    Joshua Dellinger
    Catawba Valley Piano Services
    Maiden, NC
    (828) 705-1732
    cvpianoservices@gmail.com
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  • 2.  RE: Mclube 444 vs. 444A

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-09-2022 10:17
    I believe the 444a has a much stronger smell but it may be the other way round.

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    David C. Brown RPT
    Garland TX
    tunermandb88.com
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  • 3.  RE: Mclube 444 vs. 444A

    Posted 12-09-2022 19:23
    Alright. I phoned Schaff earlier today and am told they are in fact the same. The proceeding "A" is apparently just a factor of labeling and not of chemical difference.

    My guess is that the reason for the difference is packaging. Namely, that 444 comes in the metal can, while 444A comes in a plastic bottle with a swab in the cap.

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    Joshua Dellinger
    Catawba Valley Piano Services
    Maiden, NC
    (828) 705-1732
    cvpianoservices@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Mclube 444 vs. 444A

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-10-2022 10:14
    Ah of course. It has been a long time since I used the one with the swab. You may prefer the spray as the other is a bit harder to handle and flashes off quickly out of the small bottle and becomes hard. This was the product that Steinway promoted the use of in the early 2000's. Thank you for clarifying this. 

    David

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    David C. Brown RPT
    Garland TX
    tunermandb88.com
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  • 5.  RE: Mclube 444 vs. 444A

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-11-2022 09:02
    The bottle with the little applicator "brush" can be helpful when lubricating key pins in a vertical as there is less chance of overspray getting on the bass strings.  On grands where the keyframe is removable I prefer the spray for time sake.

    Norman





  • 6.  RE: Mclube 444 vs. 444A

    Posted 12-11-2022 11:36
    I see your points both ways, but I prefer the idea of a brush. A swab seems too awkward, and a spray (I'm guessing you mean 1725) seems too uncontrolled. I olan to just cut the swab out and use the cap as a cup for the brush.

    Either way, thank you both for the input.

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    Joshua Dellinger
    Catawba Valley Piano Services
    Maiden, NC
    (828) 705-1732
    cvpianoservices@gmail.com
    ------------------------------