Pianotech

Joe,

I'd probably recover them if they're so worn out. Seems to me that converting to standard punchings would require making a new balance rail which is likely an even bigger job. First though I'd probably put a drop of VS-PROFELT on each side (the bearing surfaces) and see what that does (just for kicks). 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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The half rounds on the balance rail were part of Steinway's accelerated action design. To convert them to conventional punchings would change the geometry of the action because you'd be changing the design. For that reason, I would consider recovering them rather than replacing them with conventional punchings.

I know for a while Steinway sold half round replacements, but it wouldn't surprise me if they don't sell them anymore. Good luck trying to get help over the phone. 

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Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
www.FromZeroToSixFiguresBook.com
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Hi Joe,

Steinway still continues to sell half round bearings, however the half rounds are out of stock at the moment. Monday the 22nd is the first day of the 6 week factory shutdown which means the half round bearings will not be in stock and available until sometime after Labor Day. If it can wait, you can place an order and the parts will ship once they are in stock.

The Steinway parts department phone number is 718-204-3150.

Always feel free to contact customer service directly for any general Steinway-related questions or advice 718-204-3146 or email customerservice@steinway.com

For technical support, please feel free to call 718-267-3229

Hope to hear from you soon.

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Daniel DeBiasio
Technical Education & Support
ddebiasio@steinway.com
718-267-3229
Steinway & Sons
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Thanks to Peter, Ben, and Daniel for your responses. It’s good to know the half round bearings are still available (although not in the time frame I need). So….. it appears my only option is to recover them. In a weird way, the job is already half done because the action in question got wet courtesy of a plumbing leak on the second floor above the piano and the felt has separated itself from the wood cores. I’m replacing key pins as well and doing a lot of gluing things back together. Having fun in the old Steinway tonight!

Thanks again for the help and info!
Joe Tom McDonald RPT


Original Message:
Sent: 7/19/2024 10:10:00 AM
From: Daniel DeBiasio
Subject: RE: Steinway half round balance rail bearings

Hi Joe,

Steinway still continues to sell half round bearings, however the half rounds are out of stock at the moment. Monday the 22nd is the first day of the 6 week factory shutdown which means the half round bearings will not be in stock and available until sometime after Labor Day. If it can wait, you can place an order and the parts will ship once they are in stock.

The Steinway parts department phone number is 718-204-3150.

Always feel free to contact customer service directly for any general Steinway-related questions or advice 718-204-3146 or email customerservice@steinway.com

For technical support, please feel free to call 718-267-3229

Hope to hear from you soon.

------------------------------
Daniel DeBiasio
Technical Education & Support
ddebiasio@steinway.com
718-267-3229
Steinway & Sons
------------------------------

Hi, Red,

That's been my process for some time.

One does what one must.

Kind regards.

Horace





  Original Message


Original Message:
Sent: 7/20/2024 5:00:00 PM
From: Rex Roseman
Subject: RE: Steinway half round balance rail bearings

With the last set that I got, the center holes were too small for the balance rail pins and I had to drill them out before they could be used. Just a heads up that there may be some fitting involved.

Rex Roseman