[pianotech] Verdigris in Action Centers

[Keith McGavern]

David C. Kunz,

What J. Patrick Draine says works very well. I have had excellent  
results using the method he described, and I have done it without  
removing the action parts. The trick is working the flange vigorously  
until you actually feel the verdigris break free and to not be timid  
in applying the Protek solution. A follow-up at the next tuning will  
show which ones managed to stay free and which ones start to seize up  
again.

Eventually, if the piano is used on a regular basis, this process will  
be adequate for the person who is not willing to pay for parts  
replacement.

Keith

> Greetings:
>
> I am wondering what the latest recommendations are for severe  
> verdigris on
> old Steinway Action Centers.  Reaming and repining has never to my  
> mind
> been
> a permanent solution; therefore in the past I have tended to replace
> whippens and shanks.  However, in a very old Steinway when the  
> customer is
> not willing to spend the money, and repining appears to be only  
> temporary
> and time consuming, what type of chemical treatment has been found  
> to be
> the
> most effective.
>
> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thank you,
>
> David C. Kunz