In a message dated 97-01-25 10:20:33 EST, atonal@planet.eon.net (Rob Kiddell) writes: << Greetings List, With all this discussion of stone-related piano construction techniques, I hope some of the enlightened members of the list can help me with some identification of another type of geological piano part, namely the substance used by the Baldwin Co. in their wonderful petrified butt leathers. I've put together a tech. column on removal & replacement for my newsletter, and I would like to find out just what the @#$% those things were made of so I can s >> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hello all: I've replaced dozens of sets of these fossilized butt leathers. I've heard the old material referred to as "corfam" or "escaine" (which doesn't really help much,eh?). Someone at Baldwin (Krefting?) told me that shoes were made out of the stuff. He explained that there was a buckskin shortage in the late 70's and Baldwin substituted this artificial junk...it worked well for a while, anyway. Bill Spurlock had a nice article in the PTJ about 3-4 years ago. I've had very good service from Baldwin tech service regarding these pianos. They can provide pre-cut leathers and a supply of glue (unless you have access to hot hide). This is major work: plan about 6 hours, as quite a bit of regulation needs to be done. And always replace the backcheck leather at the same time (ask for two sets from tech service) Hope this helps! Mike Hoffman, RPT Marquette, MI
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC