graphite and Protec

[Sarah Fox]

Thanks, Oleg,

I didn't appreciate just how much the lubricant can affect the touch.  I'll
try and compare both, as you suggest.

I never really compared notes with other pianists regarding what they like
in the touch of a piano.  I play mostly classical myself (although I'm
learning a really cute ragtime number right now).  However, I don't think
the more frictional touch that you advocate would really work well for me.
I've lost a lot of strength and endurance over the years, and friction
always diminishes my speed.  There are a number of pieces I simply can't
play on a new or newly rebuilt piano that I can play on a more broken-in
piano, and I am very conscious that it is because I am fighting friction.
At the end of the piece I am left sweating and almost gasping for breath.
On the other hand, I admit I have a bit more control when playing a slower,
softer piece on a newer action.  I always attributed that to more
consistency between notes, better regulation (*especially* letoff distance),
and so forth.  I never considered it might be because of differences in the
friction of the action.  I'll have a chance to experiment with this a bit on
my Wissner.  :)

Peace,
Sarah

----- Original Message -----
From: "Isaac OLEG" <oleg-i@wanadoo.fr>
To: "Sarah Fox" <sarah@gendernet.org>; "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 7:10 AM
Subject: RE: graphite and Protec


Sarah,

Graphite can turn bad with time very easily.

We need to lessen the friction on the roller (in some situations), but
you will certainly notice yourself if you make a few try, that you
loose much of your tactile feedback if :

Too much lube is used on the rollers
The hammers (and whippen) pinning is too free.
the hammers are too short and letoff happens too high.
The roller is shiny because of graphite transforming the surface.

That is for the last reason I avoid it there, all leathers are not the
same too.
The nap is supposed to be smooth, not glass looking, and that contact
is something directly felt under the fingers.

Micro fine Teflon is working as a charm, and does not make that
slippery feel .
I did not try the Jim's method, but I am cautious there.

Try it on a note , Teflon on another, you will see what you like.

Best Regards.

Isaac OLEG

> -----Message d'origine-----
> De : pianotech-bounces@ptg.org
> [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]De la
> part de Sarah Fox
> Envoyé : vendredi 22 novembre 2002 19:40
> À : ilvey@sbcglobal.net; Pianotech
> Objet : Re: graphite and Protec
>
>
> Hi Jim,
>
> You wrote:
>
> > >A new set of knuckles with a
> > >'lite' swiping of graphite (stick form) as well as a
> powdering with
> teflon
> > >will feel better and last longer than either of these two
> alone.............
> > >But what do I know? :-)
> > >Jim Bryant (FL)
>
> I was advised by one person to consider massaging talc into
> the buckskin.  I
> never really considered talc as a lubricant.  Graphite or
> teflon would make
> more sense to me.  Any thoughts regarding talc??  Have you
> heard of anyone
> else doing this??
>
> Also, how light a swipe of graphite is "light."  Can this
> be overdone?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Peace,
> Sarah
>
> _______________________________________________
> pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
>