possible swollen key leads

[Farrell]

On a low-value piano, first I recommend considering whether piano disposal might not be the best alternative.

If the piano is to be salvaged, I have had good luck simply grinding/shaving the excess lead off. I have several pianos where I did this procedure 5 to 10 years ago and have not seen the leads grow again. Not saying they won't - but the regrowth appears to be a fairly slow process - no guarantees though (and I point that out to the piano owner). I've never sealed the lead with anything - again, not saying that might not help - I've just never bothered and it doesn't seem to have caused any problems.

Removing/replacing is definitely the proper repair - and hey, while you're at it, maybe a good action balancing job would be in order. But the value/use of the piano needs to be considered when this level of work is contemplated.

Terry Farrell
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Richard Morgan 
  To: pianotech at ptg.org 
  Sent: Saturday, June 30, 2007 6:14 PM
  Subject: possible swollen key leads


  Regarding the Wurlitzer grand with horribly binding keys that I looked at yesterday, I did not consider swollen key leads--until Terry Farrell suggested the possibility.  Based on the research I've just done in the archives, my first inclination on this piano (if swollen leads are indeed the problem) is to trim/shave them with a sharp chisel and seal with thin CA glue.  This will probably fit my client's pocketbook better than removing/replacing the leads.  Should I, though, consider (and sell to the client) the idea of removing/replacing?

  Thanks,
  Richard Morgan



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