how about ? for damper felts

[Allen Wright]

David,

By "here" I meant specifically the Steinway shop in London. I haven't  
been here long enough, or met enough independent techs, to have any  
good idea of what the state of the art is in the rest of the UK. I  
assume that it must be as varied as it is is in the US - t least, I  
certainly hope so.

And to answer your question about the staff at Steinway London: it's  
a very intelligent, professional, and open-minded group, generally  
speaking - I'm very happy working there. As is probably normal and to  
be expected in any similar institutional setting, certain long- 
established protocols are in place in terms of techniques, based on  
institutional history, unique individuals, etc. that get the job done  
(usually very well) but may not necessarily be the most "cutting  
edge" or efficient. It's possible I may be able to introduce or  
suggest some techniques that may get the job done a bit more  
efficiently.

I agree with you that the over-riding open-mindedness (and  
wililngness to listen to and consider all ideas) mentality of this  
PTG listserve discussion is a very valuable and unique thing. I  
imagine if the UK had as well organized a professional group a the  
PTG - and (importantly) one with as large a membership, similar  
attitudes might exist.

Please say hello next time you're in London!

Best regards,

Allen


On 19 May 2007, at 01:40, David Boyce wrote:

> Alan, you mention:
>
>
>
> "I know: steam and wet cloth works very well on key bushings also,  
> but that's probably a little too radical too present here.
>
>
> I'd be curious to hear if there are any other ideas on glue  
> softening solutions. This one works best with hide glue, naturally.  
> Anybody have a solution for white and other more stubborn glues?
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
> Allen Wright, RPT
> London, UK"
>
> I don't know about steam and wet cloth being too radical here -  
> that method was demonstrated in classes at the Pinao Tuners'  
> Association cunventions back in the mid 1980s - for both damper  
> felt and key bushing removal.  I've used it a few times for damper  
> felts.  Have also used cutting (which I find easier if there is  
> underfelt to slice through).  Not sure which I prefer. How are you  
> liking Steinway London?  I have always found the staff very  
> pleasant and non-pressurising, any time I have taken clients in there.
>
> As a little aside, partly connected to your thought about some  
> things being too radical here, I did always feel that the PTA was  
> somehow mired in a 1950s "home counties" (counties around London)  
> mentality.  One of the things I really like about this forum is the  
> spirit of help and willingness to share information and to see  
> 'newbies' progress.  Nor is anyone here too "precious" about  those  
> who do piano tuining and repair as a part-time occupation - as long  
> as they offer an honest and capable service, of course.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> David.
>