sluggish hammers on spinet

[J Patrick Draine]

Pianogreig@AOL.COM wrote:

> I've never before encountered a spinet (in this case a 1963 W****T***) with
> all hammers so sluggish that moving them toward the strings by hand results
> in many floating back to rest & many at the extreme ends just staying at the
> string.  Protek on hammer flanges showed little or no result; key bushings
> are not binding; strengthening return springs also had little effect.

The official "Wurlitzer party line" solution was to treat the centers with a
silicone/naptha solution. It will probably work, but you'll want to remove the
action (have replacement action bracket screws and key/abstract rubber grommets
ready) so that you don't contaminate the strings & pinblock with silicone.
Otherwise: repin the centers, and I really doubt the customer is ready for that
expense.

Patrick Draine