David: So many cats to skin, so little time... On the topic of tight damper guide rail bushings, I would suggest that you consider using the same easing technique used on center pins -- water-sizing the bushings. When rebushing a guide rail, I usually use a size 7 bridge pin to size the holes. After inserting the bridge pins into each hole, I will soak the bushing with a 10-15% water:alcohol solution, allowing it to dry overnight. I prefer this method over reaming for the same reasons I prefer not to ream center pin bushings -- ripping material out is crude and often imprecise (my opinion, shared by many). You can do this for individual bushings in the piano if you're careful. I use a bottle with long tube to deliver the sizing solution. You do have to take out that damper in order to get the correct sized bridge pin in place. And, yes, you can speed things up a tad -- again, if you're very careful -- by using a *low heat* heat gun (read "hair dryer" - *NOT* Ungar heat gun or flameless torch!). But what's the hurry? Ron Torrella, RPT Assistant Piano Technician University of Michigan School of Music
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