Friction in leather keybushings

[Ed Sutton]

Dear Rolf,
    Guess what I bought 5 years ago at Home Depot and never knew what to do
with....a little can of Ballistol!
    A little bench test: yes, it makes leather slippery, and the label says
it preserves leather.
    I'll try it next week.
    Thanks!
        Ed

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>From: Rolf von Walthausen & Nancy Larson <pianos@traverse.net>
>To: caut@ptg.org
>Subject: Re: Friction in leather keybushings
>Date: Fri, Aug 24, 2001, 7:10 AM
>

> 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
>