Vertical fast and nasty

[jolly roger]

Hi Greame,
                  The book sounds like a good idea.  I've been toying with
that idea for some time. 
This trick is not that nasty, if it is used with prudence.
I have even used it on some of the University practice pianos to buy a year
or so of time, untill they can afford to rebush.
It will level out the keys quite a bit, get rid of most of the tilted keys,
as well as firm up the touch.
Only takes about 5 mins.
It can be a good selling tool, if the customer understands the fix is band
aid.
It also can be a good diagnostic tool for the customer that is complaining
about a light touch.
Next time you find a piano with heavy wear on short dog leg keys,  try it,
you are likely to get a pleasant suprise at the change.
Another trick with worn bushings and chucking keys.
I install a set of acucauls, and steam the balance rail hole, leave over
night.
It will tighten the balance rail hole, and enough steam gets to the bushing
to swell most of the cup out.
There seems to be more compression in the felt and wood, than the there is
wear.
Both these tricks will make levelling old keys a lot easier.
A combination of both can make some keybeds feel next to new.

Roger


>Hi Roger,
>
>I haven't tried this one. Sounds fast and nasty so will suit some old banger
>out in the back country somewhere.
>
>While on "fast and nasty" repairs, do you know if anyone has compiled all
>these into a book or class handout?
>I'm not too fussed on specialising in this area but these tricks sure do
>help at times.
>
>Regards
>
>Graeme Harvey
>New Plymouth
>New Zealand
>