I've been using alcohol (isopropyl) on NEW piano hammers for a couple years. It seems a little shady, especially when I tell the new piano owner not to play the piano until the next morning. I've found that it only really works on new piano hammers. Older than five years and I don't get the dazzling results. Kawai and Samick respond especially well to this method. Ray Cahndler told me once that the kawai hammers are subjected to deep needling at the factory and it takes quite a bit of stabbing to make a change. Hence the alcohol. Baldwins take even more soaking. It seems to work alright if you soak them generously, but as you say, you have to wait to hear the results. That's why I'm so interested in trying the steaming technique brought up here. My biggest concern is with accidental oversteaming. I can just see the felt break free of its moulding. Someone please reassure me this won't happen! Eric Leatha tunrboy@aol.com
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC