[pianotech] No Key Bushings? What a Square!

[David Skolnik]

Patrick -
Just curious.  Can you measure the amount of total sideplay?  Should 
be easy enough if you have a digital caliper.  It's not clear from 
your description whether keys had bushings at some point or if the 
wood mortise that was originally precise has worn.  I remember 
working with on old Erard action for which I had to use some 
extremely thin leather that was available through player piano 
supply. thought I can't remember whether that was for the keys or the 
repetitions.  Just a thought

David Skolnik
Hastings on Hudson, NY



At 01:58 PM 5/25/2012, you wrote:
>So the square piano I am working on has no key bushings - this is 
>certainly a first for me. Of course there is too much sideplay in 
>the keys and therefore bushings seem necessary. Has anyone had to do 
>this procedure? How difficult would it be to rout out the keys for 
>bushings? The key pins are .137 in diameter, so what size routing 
>bit would be needed?
>Thanks,
>Patrick C. Poulson
>Registered Piano Technician
>530-265-1983