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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Les: I had the same issue with a similar piano.
Replacing the knuckles was the final cure. Everything else was a temporary cure.
It seems that the leather used on these knuckles, if it is indeed real leather,
hardens up permanently.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Good luck</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Patrick C. Poulson<BR>Registered Piano
Technician<BR>530-265-1983</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>