<html> Tom, I would use the Steinway recommended procedure to free up the tight centers. After it is done, it would be best to then Burnish and repin.  The burnishing process is what will help to stabilize the bushing, and will ensure a nice, even friction level from note to note. The firmer fit from a larger pin / thinner bushings combined with low friction will help the action play great - and will most likely improve the tone at the same time. You can let the owner know Steinway's recommendation, and give an estimate to take the quality to the next level by repinning to give an even touch. Don Mannino RPT At 12:52 AM 10/21/2002 -0400, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>List,             I m servicing a Steinway M. Sapelle Veneer. Very pretty. This piano is two years old and my client was complaining about playability. Lettoff and drop was all over the place, tight balance rail holes, jacks needing alignment to knuckles. All this corrected with the usual procedures, including Mclube on key pins, Teflon powder on knuckles. Also noticed what looked like Graphite grease in the balancier (rep-lever)spring seats.             I found the hammer shank action centers to be very tight. Two- Three swings only. I had no luck with protek on a sample.             I consulted with Steinway N.Y. and spoke with David Kirkland in Tech services. He was very supportive but had never heard of this problem before. He mentioned that these centers were treated with liquid Teflon and shouldn t be tight--- permafree two I think he called them. When I mentioned protek David suggested that it generally is a short term fix and suggested alcohol water treatment to resize the bushings             So--- My questions trusted colleagues:             1.      If treated with liquid Teflon at the factory, why would Protek CPL (Teflon) be short-term in the field?            2.      Will the alc-water treatment be effective on a center so treated?     3.      Have you seen tight centers on other new Steinways?   4.      Could that black stuff on the reps really be graphite and is it factory applied?       As I mentioned the gentleman was supportive and authorized the aforementioned warranty service, but I think I might have to ream and repin at least a portion of these. Opinions?                         Tom Driscoll RPT             </blockquote></html>