Alan,
FWIW, I actually like the result (sometimes) of NOT using cauls for this. Of course, it depends on how much "resuscitation" of cloth density and thickness I'm trying to achieve. If it's quite a bit I will apply 1-3 drops at the business point of each bushing and let it swell. I have found that after swelling they tend to shrink back a little, and the cloth is less "hard", providing a nicer (quieter) feel, especially up front.
If it's just a little I need, the above will be too tight, therefore cauls are important. However that said, I do have some control over final fit and feel based on when I decide to remove the cauls. The point is that I'm trying to avoid (if possible) the final compression of the cloth that tends to harden the bushing (unless necessary).
As always, a test on one or two keys is always a good idea before global application.
Peter Grey Piano Doctor
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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 05-27-2025 11:29
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Size of key pins for ca. 1965 Hamburg Steinway "B"
Debra,
What you have suggested is my current plan. Thanks for the follow up!
Alan
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Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483
Original Message:
Sent: 05-27-2025 11:26
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Size of key pins for ca. 1965 Hamburg Steinway "B"
Push comes to shove...take final cauls for all three sizes (146, 131, 125). Dry test fit the 131 and 125 on key 87 or 88 (less indentation/ wear) to see which feels better.
Deb
Rockport, MA 01966
978-546-8428
Original Message:
Sent: 5/27/2025 9:00:00 AM
From: Alan Eder
Subject: RE: Size of key pins for ca. 1965 Hamburg Steinway "B"
Thanks so much for this, Debra. Very helpful!
Now all I have to do is figure out (in advance of the upcoming trip) whether this piano has a Kluge or a Renner keyboard. Anyone out there know?
Alan
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Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483
Original Message:
Sent: 05-27-2025 06:46
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Size of key pins for ca. 1965 Hamburg Steinway "B"
Hi Alan,
Here's a list of key pin/piano make sizes.
The list was largely created by Bill Spurlock.
Deb
Rockport, MA 01966
978-546-8428
Original Message:
Sent: 5/27/2025 4:29:00 AM
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Size of key pins for ca. 1965 Hamburg Steinway "B"
Greetings,
IWill soon be traveling several hundred miles to service a ca. 1965 Hamburg Steinway "B". Given the service history of this instrument, key pin contact points (the front and balance rail bushings and the balance pin holes) will likely need resuscitation. Wanting to arrive prepared with some VS Profelt and appropriate size key bushing cauls, I wonder if anyone can tell me what size key pins I should expect to find on that make/model/year.
Thanks,
Alan
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Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483
------------------------------