Center pin friction, yet again.

[David Andersen]

>   The later model Steinways felt is trickier.
You mean nastier, harder to work with.
>They say to use alcohol for
> the actions that tighten up, but my results with this have been way too
> inconsistent to accept.  If too tight, I ream slightly looser than I would
> like, 
> since the felt seems to recover and re-swell more than others.  If too loose,
> the 
> next size up will often be perfect. If not, then the least about of reaming I
> do, the better. 
On some I've worked on---modern amarican Steinways---you can repin and
they're loose again in 20-30-hours of playing---useless.
>      The factories don't seem to ream anymore.  They use a liquid solution to
> size the bushings around smaller pins, then take them out and replace with a
> larger size.  It is quick, cheap, and inconsistent.
Eeww. Gross.
>It may leave results good
> enough to get the instrument out the door, but for fine work, it leaves much
> to be desired.  I have not found any substitute for individual attention to
> the bushings. 
Amen.
 
>     Consistency is paramount, and if you want a well finished action in both
> tone and touch, you Jolly well better check them all!  (:)}}
> Regards,
> 
> Ed Foote RPT

Absolutely.  Great post, Ed.  The shank pinning is a massive tonal affector.

Thanks for being a wizard....

David Andersen