This week I picked up a 1920 Steinway action for hammer reshaping, new dampers, regulation, etc. The shanks and flanges were original, but in the 50's it had been restrung and new Steinway hammers put on by a Steinway dealer in L.A. The hammers (about 10?) were clicking from bad glue joints. I am anticipating future problems with this as well. I popped a few off and reglued, but then, for the others not yet clicking, I decided to put a few drops of thin super glue on both sides (tail and glue collar) to help hold what was there. My reasoning was that the hammer and whippen flanges had verdigris that was getting to the point of concern and that since the hammers were heavily worn and low on felt, the hammers, shanks, flanges and whippens would all be replaced in five years anyway. I'll do what I can for the short term and replace later. The player is a good University accompanist and plays it a lot. I filed the hammers, applied Protek to the flanges, did some repinning, replaced the dampers, rebushed keys, and thoroughly regulated the action. QUESTION: Did the super glue do any good? Is there a problem with doing this?? Is there a better proven way to stop clicking like this w/out taking the hammers completely off? Lance Lafargue, RPT New Orleans Chapter Covington, LA. lafargue@iamerica.net
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