perpetually sticking keys

Terry terry@farrellpiano.com
Sun, 23 Jan 2005 11:27:08 -0500


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A number of reasonable thoughts have been expressed. BUT, IMHO, before =
anything else is tried, first determine the source(s) of the excess =
friction. First thing is to separate the action from the keys - remove =
the drop stickers from the key ends and specifically target evaluating =
key friction alone. If it turns out to be the key bushings, you might =
try ironing them. I don't like the key-crushing method of key easing.

You did not specify your key re-bushing method. I have done numerous =
sets of keys using the Spurlock system (w/ mortise-sizing cauls) and =
have never had any problem like you describe.

Let us know what happens. Sounds like a real headache!

Terry Farrell
  List

  I got in too deep this time.  I sold a little spinet piano last month. =
I had replaced the damper felts, key bushings, and keytops.  I included =
a free tuning and although there was no written guarantee, I promised =
her that the piano was in good working order.  Which it was. =20

  While the piano was in my posession, I did have ALOT of trouble =
getting the keys eased so that they would return promptly.  Every time I =
went out to the shop I'd find another key that wouldn't come back up, =
but I thought I had them all taken care of.  And if she had any =
problems, I planned to install lead weights on the back of the keys.

  Which I did, two weeks ago, when she called to tell me that there were =
a couple of sticking keys.  With the weights installed, I figured that =
would be the last I'd hear from her.=20

  Nope.

  She called yesterday with more sticking keys.  Now, it's winter here =
in Chicago, the indoor climate is dry, compared to spring, which is only =
a few months away.  If she's having problems now, oh boy.

  My question is: what the heck can I do next?  I've eased the keys from =
here till Sunday.   I put the lead weights all the way at the back of =
the key for maximum effect.  I polished the keypins and sprayed them =
with TFL50. I don't know what to do next to get myself out of this =
quagmire.  I want her to be satisfied with this instrument.  I want to =
stop driving the 25 miles to her house.

  HELP!

  Tom Sivak
  Chicago PTG Associate 
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