Jim, One of the main reasons for plugging the holes left by removing key leads is that if you re-weigh the keyboard, it is sometimes necessary to put either a smaller or larger key lead close to the existing hole. Without plugging the hole, the strength of the keystick would be compromised, IMHO. Addressing the cosmetics issue: One of the benchmarks of quality piano work is attention to detail. I like to see little "housekeeping" things like plugging holes taken care of. It speaks well for the technician and his/her work. Adding weight by plugging holes: If you changed the weight of the key at all by plugging with spruce or pine, it would probably be negligible. Those little 3/8 or 1/2 plugs weigh next to nothing. Hope this helps. Tom Tom Seay School of Music The University of Texas at Austin
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