Friction in leather keybushings

[Newton Hunt]

Hi Ed,

The problem is not the leather but the keypin.  It is corroded,
microscopically!  Take some Flitz and polish those pins then lubricate the pins
with a teflon spray dry lubricant.  Also lubricate the leather wit the same
stuff.  This will solve the problem until the corrosion  builds back up again,
about five years or so.

Try it and let me know.

		Newton

Ed Sutton wrote:
> 
> Dear Cauts,
>     Last spring I rebuilt an 1890's Bechstein action.  Since the original
> keybushings were leather, I replaced them with leather, a smooth, thin kid
> leather that seemed close to the original bushings.
>     Since then there has been a recurring problem with friction in the front
> mortise.  There is plenty of room, and the bushing is very stable, but when
> the player pushes the keys a little to the side when playing, there is a lot
> of friction between the leather and the keypin.
>     This responds well to Prolube in the bushing, but recurs after a month
> or two (I've just finished my third visit to lube the bushings).
>     Anyone have any experience with leather keybushings?
>     Thank you.
>         Ed Sutton