<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <HTML style="FONT-SIZE: x-small; FONT-FAMILY: MS Sans Serif"><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2900.2963" name=GENERATOR> <STYLE></STYLE> </HEAD> <BODY bgColor=#ffffff> <DIV><FONT face=Arial>I used to clean strings with that eraser type block, but have since ceased cleaning rust off strings.  Reason: I found and was told, that cleaning rust off the strings, can weaken the strings.   If the string is that rusty, and it breaks, then I change the string.   If the strings are that rusty, what other parts of the piano may have been subjected to long term, or excessive moisture????</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial>But, this is me.... others may have different thoughts.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial>Jon</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px"> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV> <DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A title=atuneforyou@earthlink.net href="mailto:atuneforyou@earthlink.net">Steve Blasyak</A> </DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=pianotech@ptg.org href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">pianotech@ptg.org</A> </DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Sunday, October 08, 2006 10:49 PM</DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> string cleaning</DIV> <DIV><BR></DIV> <P> <DIV><FONT size=4>Hey Now,</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=4></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=4>I have a question for the group. This may not be as technical as say the re-scaling of a piano but perhaps it may be of importance to the daily service we provide. </FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=4>On occasion I detail pianos. Part of this service includes removing rust from strings. I use those eraser type things the  various suppliers sell on bass strings, and sometimes on plain wire with limited success. I also use scotch bright scrub pads to remove rust on pain wire (the dark green course ones). As a finishing touch I use flitz on the pedals, name board and other brass parts that can easily be reached. Sometimes it can bring a plate back to life as well! One client observed me using flitz and produced a small packet with a flitz cleaning cloth inside. Kind of like a hand wipe from Kentucky Fried Chicken. I have not been able to find this product in any store, however on the flitz website they do sell these cleaning cloths in various sizes.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=4></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=4>Now finally my question. Would it cause any harm to use these cleaning cloths on plain wire strings to remove rust. I would be hesitant to use them on bass strings as I know you can kill a bass string by getting any residue in the copper windings.  </FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=4>Opinions, comments please.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=4>Thanks in advance.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=4>Now lets all talk amoungst ourselves.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=4>Steve</FONT>  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Steve Blasyak</DIV> <DIV><A href="mailto:atuneforyou@earthlink.net">atuneforyou@earthlink.net</A></DIV> <DIV>EarthLink Revolves Around You.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <P></P></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>