NOT temperaments, GLUE

[Ron Nossaman]

Hi all,

I have an honest to gosh technical question. First, some background. 
Steinway hangs hammers with hide glue. There is not the slightest hint of
any attempt to form the pretty little glue collars everyone else holds dear,
they just slather it on and go. The hammers stay on, don't get loose or
click and the world continues to revolve. In short - it works just fine.
Note too that the dampers are glued on with hide glue. But wait! What's
this? The glue on the dampers is the characteristic burnt honey color of
garden variety hide glue, but the stuff on the hammers is, dare we say,
*tinted* the color of maple! As much talk as I read about the absolute
necessity of producing perfect *looking* work, it is surprising to me that
no one has mentioned the 'dip and smear' gluing method employed to hang
hammers at S&S. Apparently the faux maple glue camouflage coloring works as
well as the application method! 

This leads me quite handily to my question(s). What do they use to color the
glue (whiting?), and why do they deny that it is anything other than regular
old hide glue in spite of the obvious color difference? I don't mind,
really, and it doesn't matter in any real sense. I'm just curious.

I bet the all-knowing, all-powerful Gina has got this one PEGGED. Well,
that's why I asked - isn't it? Sorry Gina %-) 


  
 Ron Nossaman