<div>On 9/8/07, John Formsma <<a href="mailto:formsma@gmail.com">formsma@gmail.com</a>> wrote: <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="PADDING-LEFT: 1ex; MARGIN: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; BORDER-LEFT: #ccc 1px solid">The noises I describe as "scratchy" are usually either 1) the rod itself as it lifts the dampers (damper lever felt) or 2) the damper springs in the lever slot, or 3) the helper "damper" spring. If 1), I lube the rod with Protek grease (MPL??).  If 2), the lube will depend on the slot whether it has felt or no felt.  If felt, I've had some success with teflon powder.  If no felt, I think Protek CLP worked.  You can always try it on one to see if it works.  If 3), Protek CLP works at least short-term.  (I can't recall if the noise has returned on one I've lubed.) To diagnose, remove the action and lift the dampers with the rod.  If you hear the noise, you have to determine if it's coming from the damper lever felt or the lever slot.  Then s-l-o-w-l-y lift a section of dampers with your hand.  If you hear the noise then, it's in the damper lever slot. JF On 9/8/07, <a href="mailto:richard.ucci@att.net">richard.ucci@att.net</a> <<a href="mailto:richard.ucci@att.net"> richard.ucci@att.net</a>> wrote: > > > This situation occurs with the action out as well. > > -------------- Original message from "Farrell" <<a href="mailto:mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com"> mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com</a>>: > -------------- > > > I've seen Asian verticals with damper rods rubbing on the plate. That'll > make a real scratchy sound. > > Terry Farrell > > ----- Original Message ----- > > I've searched the archives, but can't find the thread. Two Asian pianos, K&C > (Samick) and a PR . Both uprights, with same problem. Sustain rod is making > that scratchy noise . What is the lube of choice, does the bracket have to > be removed to apply? Should I rebush with new buckskin? Very troublesome > .... > Thanks, > Rick Ucci/Ucci Piano </blockquote></div> <div>  </div> <div>If it's the damper springs in the slot w/no felt I've found that frequently it's just the first 1/2 dozen or so in the bass end. Try holding them up and try the rest if that solves it you know the culprit. My fix, a little more permanent and cheaper tann spraying everthing willy-nilly with Protek, is to move the springs out of the way and "color" in the slots with a dull pencil(a sharp one taked too long) covering the area the spring rubs on thoroughly. To do all 6 will take about 2 or 3 minutes. You will have re-graphited them and the problem will be gone for awhile until the graphite wears off again. -- Never become so much of an expert that you stop gaining expertise. View life as a continuous learning experience. - Denis Waitley Michael Magness Magness Piano Service 608-786-4404 <a href="http://www.IFixPianos.com">www.IFixPianos.com</a> email <a href="mailto:mike@ifixpianos.com">mike@ifixpianos.com</a> </div>