Got any old keys with leads hanging around in your shop? You might swap them with the Bluthner. Regards, Laura Olsen On Apr 4, 2012, at 6:55 PM, David Boyce wrote: > A 1913 Bluthner grand I tune every so often has the swollen key lead problem that has been discussed here previously. In the past I have manged to file the odd sticking note on the spot. Today, quite a few notes were sticking and I showed the problem to the owner. It was agreed that I should take the action away to file all the key leads and apply some lacquer or varnish to give a seal of sorts. > > Unfortunately I have found that the problem is severe, and the swollen leads have caused at least half a dozen keys to split quite badly. I have had to punch out the swollen oxidised leads in order to glue and clamp the keys back together again. > > Really a comprehensive keyboard overhall is needed, as the backtouch felts and centre rail washers are quite motheaten, and probably all key leads should be removed and replaced. > > I do not know if the owner will be willing or able to go to that expense, and in the meantime the piano is needed for guests who will be visiting soon. > > What do you suggest I do with the keys I've removed the leads from, in terms of an interim "quick fix" to get the piano back together and working : 1) put the glued keys back with no leads, or 2) fill the holes with something else, like wood repair putty or Plastic Padding's metal repair stuff? > > Obtaining and fitting new leads is the bigger solution for the future, but what to do meantime? > > Suggestions welcome! > > Best regards, > > David. > <Key Leads 1.jpg><Split key 1.jpg><Split Key 2.jpg><Split Key 3.jpg><Split Key 4.jpg> -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20120404/48bfdb07/attachment.htm>
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