Silicone spray dilemma

[TunerJeff@aol.com]

Dear Folks,

     We are dealing with a client's perception of a problem, not just the
possibility of real damage. What the customer feels is JUST as important as
the technician's more learned opinion. I suggest that the problem be
addressed as a customer relations problem as much as a technical one.

Keith,
     Have a talk with your customer regarding the problem. Make it clear that
you feel there is no way to completely remove all traces of the silicone from
the piano. Offer to do your best to remove the silicone by;
1. Removing the action
2. Pulling top-action and keys.
3. Wiping down the pins & keybed & frame with naphtha. You cannot possibly
remove the silicone completely (make sure she understands...) but you can do
this much!
4. "Sealing" the pins with McLube 1725. It does leave an 'invisible barrier',
after all.

     Your customer's feelings are important here! This procedure is not too
difficult or technically difficult, and does DO SOMETHING about her 'problem.
Share her concern a little bit, she'll appreciate the effort.

Sincerely,
Jeffrey T. Hickey, RPT
Oregon Coast Piano Services
TunerJeff @ aol.com

ps-
     While on vacation;
     Be sure to visit Butte Ann Kerr where the world-famous Beau Dahnker
Pianos are subjected to their final quality-control check. You'll enjoy the
festive atmosphere as the pianos are lustily lofted from the precipice, after
receiving a tuning from Dr. Opperknockity (...they only need to tuned once,
anyway.). This final process lends an entirely new meaning to the term
"Drop-Forged".  This process is always performed under the watchful eye of
the Master Piano Builder. (Currently, the position is held by the curious
offspring of Beau Geste & Paul Anka; Beau Anka.)
     Transhipment to Bo Ankara for world-wide distibution occurs after the
chains have been firmly bolted to the surviving remnants from the plunge off
Butte Ann Kerr. Always remember that using these marvels of piano technology
in their appropriate setting can be dangerous (...watch out for that chain!).
They aren't idiot-proof, just moron-resistant.