<HTML>In a message dated 1/21/2003 7:33:02 PM Pacific Standard Time, PNOTNR@aol.com writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Subj: Re: Yamaha Key bushings (ideas how to remove) Date: 1/21/2003 7:33:02 PM Pacific Standard Time From: <A HREF="mailto:PNOTNR@aol.com">PNOTNR@aol.com</A> Reply-to: <A HREF="mailto:caut@ptg.org">caut@ptg.org</A> To: <A HREF="mailto:caut@ptg.org">caut@ptg.org</A> Sent from the Internet    Gordon</BLOCKQUOTE>       Speaking of institutional work has made me wonder if leather bushings would be a better choice for key bushing material. I've found that in heavy use/abuse situations that a new set of felt key bushings can be used up within a year. I've noticed some very ancient European pianos with the original Leather bushings intactand still well fit after a century of use. Is any one out there using leather routinely that can provide a bit of feedback as to the wear factor?    Dale Erwin    First Post on Caut list    Former pianotechy list deserter <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px"> Thanks David, I did manage to get them out (finally) but I probably used twice as much steam as I usually do.. Perhaps it's because these were fairly new keys (?)  I was just worried that too much water would create problems Everything turned out fine.  Keys are back in the piano, and I didn't have to do any easing of the new bushings.  (some of the balance holes were pretty tight, but the music building at Colby usually has an RH level around 15% this time of year so I think they'll dry quickly!) Gordon Large, RPT (Colby College, Waterville, ME) In a message dated 1/21/2003 1:33:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, davidskolnik@optonline.net writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Gordon </BLOCKQUOTE> </BLOCKQUOTE> </HTML>