Friction in leather keybushings

[Robert Edwardsen]

Ballistol is also great for tight centers and damper guide rail bushings,
some like it more than protek.

Rob Edwardsen

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ed Sutton" <ed440@mindspring.com>
To: <caut@ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, August 24, 2001 10:15 AM
Subject: Re: Friction in leather keybushings


> 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
>
> ----------
> >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
> >
>