Hello all, I've heard it said that capstan friction isn't a big deal because the amount of sideways motion of the capstan against the wippen heal is minimal.  I found it interesting, then, that on a new Bohemia 185 I felt some roughness when playing, and was able to isolate it to the capstan/wippen heel interface.  The surface of the capstans was sort of rough, and in some instances had pronounced burrs, as well as overly defined (IMHO) edges.  As a temporary fix, I teflonned the heels. Bohemia (now owned by Bechstein, btw, for better or worse) said that they'd go with my recommendation to replace the capstans and re-regulate the blow distance.  The new capstans--of a completely different, polished texture-- arrived a couple of weeks ago.  I completed the agreed-upon task tonight, and when I got the action back in the piano, the difference was absolutely astonishing.  The action felt entirely different, far faster and more controllable.  Both the owner and I were quite surprised and pleased at the difference. Now who was it that said that capstan friction is no big to deal?  I beg to differ! Thanks for reading, Dave <div class="AOLPromoFooter"> <hr style="margin-top:10px;" /> Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free <a href="http://o.aolcdn.com/cdn.webmail.aol.com/mailtour/aol/en-us/index.htm?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000970" target="_blank">AOL Mail</a>! </div>