Russell, When I worked at Steinway Hall, I experimented with several ratios but generally had success with 4:1 acetone:lacquer. It does produce a similar tone color as 3:1 without the longer waiting time. I never learned exactly where the clear lacquer came from. I used the clear lacquer supplied by the factory in Astoria, most likely the same lacquer used in the concert department as well. The unadulterated clear lacquer looked like honey or vegetable oil. It was not opaque or cloudy. I'm not sure of the percetage of solids. There wasn't really a way to find out that kind of info, since the lacquer was transferred from its original container at the factory, and then sent over to the Hall from the factory. I would 100% agree with both Eric and Ron's assertion that to build tone and keep resiliency, the techniques and materials used are extremely important. Also, I strongly believe careful experimentation is very important. My process consisted of the first application, waiting to allow for penetration. I would then test the tone and the balance, and then add the second application as needed. I did notice that the overall tone can still creep "up" after drying, in the hours after the solution had settled in, or even during the next day, so I would try to err on the side of caution. But each situation is different. I would stress that it's important not to overlacquer. It can be problematic and in some cases irreversible. If you overlacquer, it can be very difficult to achieve balance, especially in the melodic section (the area between the treble and high treble struts). Also if there is too much of the lacquer solids in the hammer it will not be resilient enough, and won't give you good color. With an overlacquered hammer, the volume may be there, but it will be unfocused and with a harsher color. I would consider 3:1 to be aggressive. I think the tone can become a little edgy, particularly in the smaller pianos. I did not use 3:1 very often, and preferred to use multiple applications of 4:1 to build up the tone in stages. But I was also more conservative than some of the other techs. On the other hand, I tried 15:1 and 8:1, but these seemed to be too weak to me. I didn't measure out in terms of ounces, either, I just did it by eye, and then swirled the hypo-oiler for about a minute or so to mix. The resulting viscosity will be similar to olive oil. I have tried on my own since leaving Steinway to find suitable nitrocellulose lacquer from outside vendors and it's hard to find. Most local hardware stores don't stock it. McMaster-Carr, the industrial supplier, does not have it either. However, they do have Methanol for those who might need it for action work. www.mcmaster.com So...experiment with 4:1 to start, and see what happens. Hope this comment helps. Boaz
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