Key bushing question

[David Ilvedson]

It seems like a standard procedure to polish keypins.  Oxidation is definitely happening.  Just rubbing a finger over front or balance pins before and after should be reason enough?  Friction then slick...I also though have noticed that high use pianos need rebushing more than I'd like.

David I.



----- Original message ---------------------------------------->
From: Susan Kline <sckline@attbi.com>
To: <caut@ptg.org>
Received: Wed, 03 Jul 2002 10:06:55 -0700
Subject: Re: Key bushing question


>>Susan Kline mentioned "Flitz" to polish.  I have found it to be inferior,
>>contrary to popular feelings about it.  I use a product called
>>"AutoSol".  It leaves no residue.
>>
>>But then again:  to each his own.
>>
>>Tim Coates
>>Wapin Co., LLP

>Actually, it was Michelle Strange who mentioned Flitz, though I sometimes
>have used it. I don't usually use any cleaning product on front rail pins
>unless they feel gummy, which is pretty rare (maybe because no one has
>laced the cloth with lubricants?) If they don't seem too bad, I just spray
>them with McLube.

>I've used Renner bushing cloth to rebush keys for a long time now, but I
>was unaware of it having any lubricant incorporated.

>I think, Tim, that your suspicions about Prolube, or anything soaked into
>the cloth, are worthy of investigation.

>I don't think I've ever rebushed keys of Steinways of this vintage in
>institutional use. I wonder how Thomas's Steinways would have done if
>bushed in leather? By the way, I've heard that kangaroo leather is good for
>keybushing, but I've never used any. Does anyone have a source? At some
>point I'll probably start rebushing a few heavily used grands at Linfield
>College, and it would be nice to have some leather ready.

>Susan