D.L.Bullock wrote: >This is also why the leather on hammer butts turns into powder and > wears through to the felt underneath in many older pianos. Expecting that > deterioration is why I replace hammer butts on so many pianos. Most likely any leather that is turning into powder is vegetable tanned leather. Vegetable tanning leaves the leather with a high acid content,(tannin ?)that's why it always falls apart. The trap work on many grands have oak tanned cow hide and these are usualy in pore condition. High quality buckskin found on back checks and other action parts were oil tanned. Oil tanned leather on the other hand can last for a very long time. John Hartman RPT John Hartman Pianos [link redacted at request of site owner - Jul 25, 2015] Rebuilding Steinway and Mason & Hamlin Grand Pianos Since 1979 Piano Technicians Journal Journal Illustrator/Contributing Editor [link redacted at request of site owner - Jul 25, 2015]
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