Dave, I'm gonna reach out with a little speculation. I don't have a lot of emperical evidence to support these statements, just several experiences with this phenomenon. In mentally summarizing past incidences of pianos, their vintage, and their respective locations/environment, I'm coming up with "patterns". Environment notwithstanding, I'm beginning to think that lead by any other name isn't necessary lead. Unfortunately, there aren't many -other- uses of lead in the same piano where we can get references. So, in simplistic terms, compare key leads with [pot metal or 'growing'] action brackets, plastic elbows, and various other parts that don't fair well over time. It's quite possible that key leads were/are purchased in quantity from a sub-contractor, rather than being poured 'in-house'. It's also conceivable that, at certain moments in history (and is still being done), either someone had a bright idea ("let's make this better/cheaper by adding 'x' to the mix"), or, the raw materials were actually contaminated, contaning some foreign substance that actually causes excessive oxidizing and swelling when exposed to time/elements. Whether my speculation is right or wrong is up for conjecture. Also, I have no contest with sealing existing key holes with something. However, we already know what does -not- work (sanding, chiseling, etc.). So, the next time I encounter this situation, I'm going with replacement key leads. Just my take, At 09:01 AM 6/27/99 -0500, you wrote: >For some reason types of problems seem to come in waves. This week I looked >at three grands, all in not great but workable shape except for key leads >swollen beyond belief. In the past, on antiques esp and the modern grand >with the occaisional problem Ive simply shaved off the excess with a >freshly sharpened chisel to avoid raising lead dust and staining the key. >These are not great pianos, up to four 5/8" leads in the bass, badly >corroded, signs of previous belt sanding to correct the problem. My >inclination is to replace all the lead in each keyboard, repairing the >cracks that are starting to appear in one of them as I go. My question is >how do I make sure this wont recur? Obviously on two of these someone >roughly sanded the key sides/leads to free them up and the problem came >back with a vengeance. Any suggestions for preventitve actions? > >Dave Jim Harvey, RPT Greenwood, SC harvey@greenwood.net ________________________ -- someone who's been in the field too long.
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