Steinway balance rail bearings

[Kent Swafford]

I don't recall Steinway (half-round) balance rail bearings being  
discussed on the lists anytime recently.

What is the minimum thickness of paper punchings that should be put  
under the bearings to promote quiet operation?

What are the arguments against these bearings -- besides the fact  
that they can be noisy, make the use of Rawson leveling tabs  
problematic, and make it difficult for Stanwood installers to tweak  
the key ratio with veneer shims?


Kent Swafford