Yamaha Console, Sharps checking on trill ...

[Jon Page]

A better method for easing a front rail bushing would be to lightly press 
the key to the side while pushing it downwards.
This would more effectively press the bushing felt. This can be done with 
your fingers by depressing the adjacent key
and applying the side pressure but what I prefer is a thin blade to apply 
more pressure at the bottom of the key where
the bushing is. Applying too much pressure at the top of the key could 
split the key button. (I've instructed piano owners
how to relieve front rail binding by inserting a table knife beside the key 
and apply light pressure to the side such that
more pressure is at the bottom of the key while pressing the key down).
Jamming a tool in between two keys and 'wobblin'-it-around' might cause 
damage to the key or bend the pins.
The Yamaha-style Balance Rail Hole Easing Tool is used to reduce binding on 
the balance rail pin.

If you really want to do-it-up-right, follow this procedure:
Clean and lube key pins
Ease front and balance rail bushings with the Key Bushing Iron
Apply Teflon powder to the bushings and b/r hole with a pipe cleaner
         (insert a pipe cleaner into a piece of player tubing for a nice 
handle)
Individually ease each key at the b/r hole with the Yamaha tool

Depending on the condition of the 'top' of the b/r hole; Pianotek's Balance 
Hole Reamer (KCS-1B) can also be used.

This is SOP for every piano coming through the shop.

Regards,

Jon Page, piano technician
Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass.
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
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