Baldwin Accrosonic

[Newton Hunt]

Hi Arlan,

For purposes of analysis the action can be divided into four major
parts: the key, the wippen, the butt/hammer and the damper sections.

If there is a problem of any kind analyze all the parts but
individually, one at a time.

You have "sticking keys" which is a catch-all term for improper key
function.

Lift or remove the sticker or wippen and move the key up and down with
your fingers very delicately.  If there is any resistance to the
movement there are sluggish bushings.  Gently move the key front left
and right to determine if there is any movement.  Check to see if the
front key pins have been turned by someone.  If not then use your
easing pliers and carefully ease the bushing in such a way as to keep
the insides of the  mortise parallel with each other.  It is best to
remove the key and ease it three or four times to get a proper fit
instead of easing too much.  The criteria is about .3mm movement. 
CHeck the key in it's bottom and at rest positions.

Next check the balance hole.  The key should fall of it's own weight,
slowly, until the pin moves into the center bushing mortise.  Ease the
hole from the top side with a tapered balance rail hole broach until
you get a perfect fit.  Most likely on this piano these holes are
overly large already.

Next check that the center bushings are fit properly.  There should be
about .2mm of free movement left to right at the top of the key.  Use
your easing pliers very gently here.

Look to see that no one has used a Bushwhacker, "bushing tightener"
and thereby ruining the key mortises.

Check to make sure keys are not rubbing against each other.  You may
need to slightly bend a center rail pin to move keys away from each
other or bend the front rail pin to do the same.

Cleaning, polishing and lubricating key pins can help greatly.  I
prefer to use Flitz, superior german product for polishing and
cleaning and I like to use a Teflon dry spray lubricant on both
bushings and pins for lubricating.  Protek is also superb for this
purpose.

When bending pins make sure you do not use tools on the metal where a
bushing will be working.

If these steps do not solve your sluggish problem then let me know and
I will write up an analysis procedure for the other sections.

Take care my friend.

		Newton