key pin lubrication

[Newton Hunt]

> Should lubrication really be 
> needed on a properly set up keyboard?

In performance venues absolutely.  Lubrication will quintuple the useful
life expectancy of bushings.

> New/polished pins, new
> properly sized bushings,

I want maximum performance and maximum durability.  If the pins are
pitted, nicked or deplating then they must be replaced.  Good condition
and new pins will need to be Flitzed then lubricated.

> Can I assume that any need for lubrication is because
> the piano owner is not willing to spend the money to do the
> job right - or the tech does not know how to minimize friction?

You must assume only that all pins have a certain level of oxidation
upon them even if you polished them just five minutes ago.  Even new
pins out of the box.

There should be no measurable, tenths of grams, friction in the key and
the only way to acquire such a state is to fit each key individually,
one at a time, polish the pins, with Flitz or something similar, and
lubricate them with something like Protek, McLube or teflon powder.

Then you can make assumptions.

If you establish a clean, fit, polish, lube procedure for every keyboard
your result consistency will go up many times for the better.

I know this job is a real pin in the arse (and fingers) but I do it
anyway.  I _hate_ the job but hate the results of not doing it even
more.

In doing quality regulations or restorations there are certain steps
that may not, ever, be ignored.  This is one of those.

So, if you do the work you get the result.  (new Newtonism :))

Have a nice boo night.

		Newton