In a message dated 11/11/2009 9:40:56 P.M. Central Standard Time, paul at pmpiano.com writes: I am beginning to recondition/rebuild a 1915 Steinway M action with all new action parts (verdigris). Now that I’ve removed the keys for cleaning and bushing, I have taken a close look at the frame. While the pins look fine (cleaning and polishing should do nicely), the felt punchings are “ratty,” with evidence of moth infestation. While the front rail felts were barely touched, the balance rail are pretty bad, with the first one or two on either end almost gone, and even some very small holes in the ones toward the center. The backrail cloth also has been moth-eaten. I could probably “ get away” with leaving it, but this is not my style or quality of work. Don't. Do as complete a job as you can. It'll pay off in spades when you get everything back together. In the past, with one exception, I have used the original frame felts when doing an action job, mostly because they were pianos that were only 20-30 years old, and the felts were fine, no real reason for replacing them as far as I could see. But this job has me wondering whether to leave felts on any job now. What is the thinking on this? If you’re charging good money for full action reconditioning, should you be replacing the frame felts as a matter of course, or at discretion? On a piano this old, yes you should replace the felts (all of them) as a matter of course. There is simply no good reason to try to salvage 100 year old material that is worn, compacted, and vermin/insect damaged. The best reason I can think of for leaving originals in place if they’re OK is that it saves a lot of time spent key leveling, etc.. Is this OK? Really? The keys are at the level you wish already? That's amazing. :-) I have never replaced an isolated felt or two on a full action job, but am now wondering whether that is “acceptable practice?” Certainly not “best practice.” At least not for “complete action reconditioning/rebuilding.” Finally, when I do replace these felts, anybody have strong feelings/recommendations about the felt I use? I’ll be using Steinway hammers, shanks, flanges & wippens. Although I’ve got bags full of felt and paper punchings from a major supply house, I am inclined to order punchings and backrail cloth from Steinway because of things I’ve read regarding relative firmness of various punchings. Thoughts or recommendations? There are lots of quite good felts out there that are quite good and aren't at Steinway prices. Lastly, what about the felt strip on the hammer rail? This one seems to be OK, but of course not “shiny and new.” :) Would “you guys” cut off the old felt and replace with new? That means you have to cut the new strip, since you can’t get it under the brackets like the original. I have and would use the new black strip from Steinway with the adhesive. If you are replacing parts because of verdigris, take a gander under the felt on the rail. Why yes, it's green, isn't it? Not only replace the felt (which is actually quite easy to get under the brackets by making an arrow end on the replacement piece and feeding it through), but you can then polish up the frame and seal it with clear brass lacquer (Brasslac from Mohawk does a fine job). Does worrying about all this matter? I was taught the visual aesthetic is just as important as the functional. Is that the consensus? Do we go to the nth degree? Where do you draw the line? I’ve done a couple jobs that really “drowned me,” but I got results. This is for a very high-end private client in Washington, DC, with the piano in a spectacular cotemporary home. The piano’s been in the family for two, maybe three, generations, moved around, etc. Keytops were replaced with plastic about 25 years ago, good job, but not much else of substance done. Case is in very good condition, board, bridges, etc. look fine. You've just answered all of your questions yourself. You didn't mention replacing the let-off buttons and screws, though. It takes all of 45 minutes. ps Is Millie and Als still open up on 18th at Columbia Rd? Paul I’m acquiring invaluable knowledge by monitoring and participating in the Pianotech and CAUT lists! Thanks to all who contribute! Paul -- Paul Milesi Registered Piano Technician (RPT) Piano Technicians Guild (202) 667-3136 (202) 246-3136 Cell E-mail: paul at pmpiano.com Website: _http://www.pmpiano.com_ (http://www.pmpiano.com/) Address: 3000 7th Street NE, Apt. 204 Washington, DC 20017-1402 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech.php/attachments/20091112/8c58cdee/attachment.htm>
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