Hammer Laquer

[Blaine Hebert]

Why isnt shellac still considered for use on piano hammers?  I once 
asked this question at a Steinway presentation and was told that they 
continued using shellac "Until they ran out." whereupon they switched to 
(nitrocellulose) laquer.  The pure ethanol solvent dries quickly enough 
and the super blond and bleached shellacs are clear enough to use on 
hammers with only a minimal yellowing.  Pure ethanol is also safer to 
use and doesn't destroy key tops and most modern laquer finishes if spilled.

Blaine Hebert