Hi List, Three or four months ago, I was called on to tune a piano, quite a distance away. When I got there I was told that in addition to the tuning, that there were some notes ringing. I took out one of the offending dampers, and found that even although the dampers were new, it still had the original wires. The plating had worn off them, and they did not slide easily between loose fingers. I polished the offending dampers with brasso, eased the hole, rubbed with Protek, aligned, and tightened. They now worked freely. I now realize I should have done them all, as the person called back and said, some in the bass, now had the same problem. Is polishing and easing sufficient, or is it just temporary? Should I have replaced the damper wires with new? She had the piano reconditioned in the spring, in Toronto, telling them to do all they thought might be needed, as she was going to an isolated community. Should they have replaced the damper wires, with the plating gone? It didn't look like they had even polished them. She asked me if they should have replaced them. I said they must have felt they were fine. If she wants me to replace the wires, is using the old damper heads alright? How does one make sure the wire will remain tight? How much time should a first timer allow for the whole job? I realize you have no way to answer this accurately, since you don't know my expertise, I just thought you might remember your first time so I can give a ball park answer. I would also like to know how long it should take, so I can base my quote on that time. I don't think it is fair to charge the customer for my 'learning' time. Looking forward to the answers Thank you. Regards, John M. Ross Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada
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