John, In part you are correct in that French chalk falls under the category of a "talc" only in that it is a lubricant. Talcum powder is the loose form of hydrated magnesium silicate, whereas French Chalk is calcium carbonate. Different stuff for different uses, but maybe not in this case. Bruce Browning The Piano Tuner. > > Talc, talcum powder, French chalk -- all exactly the same stuff and > certainly not to be used for dusting pins since it has a lubricating > effect. Plain chalk powder or "whitening" is used by many people > here but talc must not be used. I must admit I used talc on the > first piano I ever restrung and luckily was firmly put right by an > experienced man before I did my next one. I am sure the piano > survived. > > As to chalking the hands to keep them dry and prevent sweat getting > on the strings, same thing. Powdered chalk is better. > > JD > > > > >
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