shreddy fake buckskin, etc.

[jolly roger]

At 06:05 AM 7/18/01 -0600, you wrote:
>Re:  fake buckskin (?) (if that's what it is):
><I have one of these Kohler & Campbells in my studio.  One major repair that
>you will have to do is replace the faux buckskin on the backchecks (my guess
>would be within 6 years) the felt that they use will shred and fly all over
>the piano, leading the customer to ask "What's that yellow stuff all over my
>hammers and in my piano?"  >

Hi Dave,
              On the K & C check leather.  It is a waste of time changing,
unless you tail the hammers to get the correct geometry and remove what I
call the check 'leather chewers'.    Changing the leather is treating the
symptom and not the problem.
The 5-6 checkering groves on the tail of the hammer is the cause of the
problem, along with the angle  and 60 degree rake of the checks.
I have seem them wear through in 1yr of heavy playing.
Taper and tail the hammers first. Then replace them with Renner checks.
(faster and cheaper than re leathering) This will also greatly improve the
feel of the piano.
Expect also to readjust the rep springs.
Regards Roger