Decomposing key leads

[Farrell]

"So if these leads are oxidizing in just a few years, then wouldn't new leads do the same thing in a couple of years, considering where the piano is located?"

My limited understanding of the expanding lead phenomena is that it is caused by contaminants in the lead - rather than by the environment. Presumably the contaminated lead will deteriorate anywhere. Heck, the lead in my scuba-diving belt is not corroded and it certainly gets exposed to a rough environment!

I have not experienced anything that would contradict the lead contaminant theory, and all my observations support it - although I don't have proof of it.

One way to be sure would be to clean several of the powdering leads off, set a few new leads adjacent to the keys on the keybed somewhere and observe them for a one or more years. If the original leads continue to powder and the new leads remain clean - seems the problem source is in the lead itself - not the environment.

I see oodles of pianos in Florida that are exposed to harsh environmental conditions for many decades and show no sign of lead degradation.

Terry Farrell
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  In this particular case the suggestions of some to coat the exterior of the leads may indeed reduce exposure chance. Also, if there is any worry about it, David Love's suggestion to just replace the leads and be done with it is certainly a valid solution - perhaps the best - it is really not a major job.

    Terry Farrell
  I also didn't realize this was happening on a piano that is only a few years old. So if these leads are oxidizing in just a few years, then wouldn't new leads do the same thing in a couple of years, considering where the piano is located? I agree with Terry that there will be very little chance of lead powder being a hazard, that is why covering the leads with shellac or lacquer will still be the best solution. 

  Willem (Wim) Blees, RPT
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