Nancy MacMillan wrote: Hi Ken, > Check the April 1997 Journal for article entitled Baldwin Leather > Replacement by Rob Kiddell, RPT. > Yes, and I also have the article on my website at: http://www.telusplanet.net/public/atonal/bleather.html Regarding 'clicking' on Baldwin actions in general, I don't find that the blackened leather on older actions contributes to noise, as it is still fairly soft material. I have no idea what it is, but I'm sure it's not leather or Corfam. I do find the stuff leaves behind a bloody mess of black residue throughout the action. Pull the action and use a good air compressor (outdoors) to get rid of the accumulated black dust and vaccuum the case interior. I have replaced blackened 'leather' on a couple of piano actions that came through the Baldwin store, but this was because we were re-conditioning these pianos for sale, and I haven't done a replacement for a client yet. Cleaning seems to suffice. Back to clicking.... hammer head glue joints seem to be the #1 culprit here, even if they don't feel loose. #2 are catcher glue joints; grab the catcher with your parallel pliers and give a gentle twist (not too hard, you don't want to twist the butt centre pin). Also, check the bridle strap, I find that sometimes the hole in the vinyl strap end sometimes enlarges and rattles against the bridle wire when you play the note. Use a drop or two of PVC-E glue on the bridle strap at the hole around the wire to stop this from rattling. Flick the jack forward with your finger, and release it to see if the jack itself is clicking, or if your problem lies elsewhere. Also check hammer spring rail springs, both at the hammer butt, but also at the coil of the spring, use your finger to push the wire back from the butt and listen for creaking. Other suggestions which have been mentioned are tightening flange screws. Good Luck!! Rob Kiddell RPT Atonal Piano Service http://www.telusplanet.net/public/atonal/
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