Cal, Two things. - Check the action spread, the older August Forsters used a Fleming action that required a spread (according to their technical advice) of 115 mm (you should have read the fax they sent me when I requested the action specs....beautiful example of German English......shame I don't have it to share anymore) . The geometry of those actions is questionable at best, so check things like the line between the balance pin, capstan and whippen centre as well. I had a chronic problem with a very similar piano, unfortunately I didn't get the job so I don't know what the best fix was! - For removing rollers/knuckles that have been originally glued with animal glue, I soak the roller with denatured alcohol (methylated spirits as we call it in Australia), loosen the glue joint with a sharp chisel from both sides and then use a large pair of wire cutters to gently ease it out. There are roller type pliers in various catalogues, I don't have them, so I can't tell you if help or not. BTW I prefer Renner knuckles as a replacement, the Tokiwa seems a bit hard/noisy for my tastes, there seems to be an ideal skin/leather density that is not so soft it wears or flattens quickly, but is not so hard that it is noisy as the actions rebounds or resets .....(he says as he dives into the closet for his asbestos suit) Happily roll(er)ing along Mark Bolsius PS Reading back on this I haven't been terribly helpful, hope it gives a clue or two to check out.
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