Greg, in a word -- no. The subject line reads "oily soot". It cannot be blown away. I'm not an expert on these matters, but can share an experience that may help clarify. I was contracted by an restoration service for a second opinion on an insurance claim. One of my colleagues had already "seen" (key word) the piano and declared it dirty but otherwise okay. (I think he suggested cleaning/buffing the keys, and wiping down the case). The cause on this incident was called 'puff-back' if I remember the buzz word right. This has something to do with an oil furnace "belching" backwards through the vents. In this case, furniture, walls, drapes, everything was effected. The piano (and keys) were dirty of course. A "look" at the strings indicated everything was normal. However, running fingers back and forth along the strings gave a different indication -- oil slick. Have you ever handled fuel oil, kerosene, or #2 diesel fuel? There's a reason people wear gloves when handling these materials. I felt the oily portion would, at a minimum, work it's way between bridges and strings, therefore acting like a shock absorber, and perhaps eventually leech around tuning pins and into the tuning pin holes. I was also concerned about the long-term corrosive effects on strings and other parts. I made my report accordingly, that of concern for down-stream problems. I don't know the results, since I was only contracted for my opinion. The piano may have been completely restored or replaced. Or, perhaps someone cleaned and buffed the key covers(!) This incident only indicates that I considered more than what was immediately and visually apparent. The experience goes into my bag of diagnostic methods, should I ever encounter the same scenario. More than likely, the next time will be a different type of fire/damage, and I'll need to rethink the matter. For the record, I have this incident, "resulting" water damage, dry chemicals, and plaster dust in my experiences. There's still a long way to go. I'm sure this is what Majestic piano concluded long ago... that each situation is different, and must be handled accordingly. I mention this because, at least I (we) can now have a second opinion -- I was blazing my own trails until now. Sorry, I tried to make it brief! At 02:59 AM 3/14/99 -0500, you wrote: >Wim, > Thank you for your reply! I'd like to pursue this just a little farther >and ask if this is the prescribed repair for every instrument with smoke >damage. I [cut] Jim Harvey, RPT Greenwood, SC harvey@greenwood.net ________________________ -- someone who's been in the field too long.
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