Key Bushing Leather

[DBHersh@aol.com]

In a message dated 96-09-01 20:57:49 EDT, you write:

<< After using leather from Pianotech, I began to have some concerns.  First
 the leather is so soft that it separates internally as it tries to unfold
 from the bend in the front rail bushings.  I was a little more concerned
 when I talked to someone in the shop at Pianotech and was told that they
 had never used it in their shop.

 I am now buying key bushing leather from Richard Meyer in New York.
 (Check the PTJ classifieds for address and phone.)  I told him what
 thickness I needed, and he sent me an excellent fine-grained material
 that really works very well.  I believe it will wear much longer than the
 material I got from Pianotech.
  >>
Paul and list,
   Thank you for sharing another source for key bushing leather. I believe I
am going to try Renner's product. I think the problem you had with Pianotek's
leather is that is not leather, I think it is buckskin. At least that is what
someone there told me over the phone. I have talked to several people in the
know about leather key bushings and leather is what you need. In fact it is
almost like shoe leather where one side is shiney. I guess there is some
debate about if you should put the shiney side against the pin or vice-versa.
Also one person told me you need some kind of liquid such as Balistol(sp). I
don't name who that is because I don't have their permission to reveal their
identity.  Maybe Protek type lube would be a good substitute. According to my
aforementioned friend you just put a drop of this balistol on the bushing
after you have glued in the bushing, using hide glue of course.
Doug Hershberger, RPT