<HTML><HEAD> <META charset=UTF-8 http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charse= t=utf-8"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2800.1170" name=GENERATOR></HEAD> <BODY style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #fffff= f"> <DIV> <DIV>In a message dated 12/19/03 9:04:06 AM Central Standard Time, fssturm@u= nm.edu writes:</DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: blue = 2px solid"><FONT face=Arial>The Steinway "Permafree II" action centers are= impregnated with a teflon <BR>solution, which lubricates and provides addit= ional firmness. We had quite a <BR>bit of discussion of this over the past c= ouple months, with respect to <BR>firmness versus friction.<BR>   = No other manufacturer uses this method. Most others are pure, <BR>"unadulte= rated" felt, some have graphite applied to one surface. All others <BR>will = respond to lubrication with Protek, and/or to shrinking/sizing with <BR>alco= hol/water. Steinway will not respond to either, due to that <BR>impregnation= with teflon. Pure methanol, a controlled substance, is <BR>available (at le= ast in colder climes) as gas line "de-freezer." Eric <BR>Schandall says he t= hinks ethanol will work as well.<BR>Regards,<BR>Fred Sturm</FONT></BLOCKQUOT= E></DIV> <DIV>When I was at Steinway last summer, I could have sworn Eric told us to = use Protek on the bushings. I will see if I can find methanol here in "warm = and sunny" Alabama. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Wim </DIV></BODY></HTML>