Friction in leather keybushings

[Rolf von Walthausen & Nancy Larson]

Ed,
I seem to recall Bosendorfer recommending a product called Balistol (sp?) for
use on their leather key bushings to keep the material supple and reduce
friction.   At the time I was told the lubricant could not be sent through the
mail but could be obtained via other means directly from the
manufacturer/distributor.

Rolf

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