Grand knuckle material

[Delwin D Fandrich]

Anne Beetem wrote:

> At 10:58 PM 11/24/97 -0600, you wrote:
>
> >Corfam was the name of the substance used in some Baldwin models for
> >awhile.  It hardened in many of the pianos over time.
> >
>
>    Isn't that what they put on the bottoms of shoes?
> Anne Beetem
> Harpsichords & Historic Pianos

  ------------------------------------------------

The tops of shoes, actually.

The original material was made by DuPont and was really quite good. The process was then sold by DuPont to another firm which
subsequently altered the formula slightly to reduce its cost. But it was only altered "in ways that would not affect its
quality." Hence the hardening of the later material.

As of the late 1980's and early 1990's, the material used was called "Ecsaine," a "suede-like artificial leather." It is
manufactured by 'Toray,' a Japanese company. To quote: "Developed in 1970, "Ecsaine" has a structure resembling natural suede
and consists of ultrafine fibers (0.01--0.09 deniers) closely intertwined into bundles. It offers a fluffy touch, suppleness,
deep color tones, and gloss; and is lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, washable (dry cleaning only), and low maintenance. Its
excellent quality and functionality have made Ecsaine particularly suitable for fashionable apparel and accessories;
industrial materials, including furniture, wall coverings, displays, and automobile upholstery; and sporting goods, such as
golf gloves and sports shoes."

They forgot to mention piano parts.

-- ddf