Flexible collodion for voicing hammers

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi Ed:

In the UK it was common to use flexible collodion. It was usually thinned
with ether. It smells aweful so you must use good ventilation. The advantage
of it is that it sets up very rapidly. Collodion was originally used to
protect cuts and bruises to the skin. You may be able to find it at a drug
store.

Jim Coleman, Sr.

On Fri, 3 Dec 1999 musutton@alpha.nlu.edu wrote:

> Dear List,
> 	Anyone out there know anything about "flexible collodion" for hardening
> hammers?
> 	The story is: Steinway hammers, hardened with keytops in acetone, later
> brightened by addition of flexible collodion, now the tone is "uneven."
> 	I've not seen this piano yet; it's a long trip.  What is the solvent 
> for collodion?  Can these hammers be saved?  Anybody out there have any 
> opinions?  ;)
> 	Ed Sutton
>