 |
Welcome to the Piano World Piano Forums
Over 3 million posts about pianos, digital pianos, and all types of keyboard instruments.
Over 100,000 members from around the world.
Join the World's Largest Community of Piano Lovers
(it's free)
It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!
|
|
|
|
34 members (benkeys, Burkhard, fullerphoto, Erinmarriott, David Boyce, 20/20 Vision, Animisha, beeboss, Cominut, brennbaer, 3 invisible),
1,329
guests, and
278
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,651
1000 Post Club Member
|
OP
1000 Post Club Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,651 |
Has anyone had good results using fabric softener and alcohol to soften over laquered hammers? How do you do this exactly? I hate to keep added substances to the hammers, but maybe this is a good technique.
One unrelated question. What is the role of lanolin in hammers and is it possible/reasonable to add lanolin to hammers?
Do or do not. There is no try.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 647
500 Post Club Member
|
|
500 Post Club Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 647 |
Just enter those words: fabric softener lanolin into the archives of PTG, should find a few answers http://www.ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech/
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 806
500 Post Club Member
|
|
500 Post Club Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 806 |
Yes,, I confess i use fabric softener and rubbing alcohol. I use a 1 part to 40 mix and i spray it on the hammers with a spray bottle. Then I brush the hammers with a brass brush. No complaints .
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,651
1000 Post Club Member
|
|
OP
1000 Post Club Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,651 |
Interesting. How long until you hear the results? Is it a dramatic change, or more subtle? I've never tried it.
Do or do not. There is no try.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 806
500 Post Club Member
|
|
500 Post Club Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 806 |
Right now. immediately.... remember rubbing alcohol is 305 water and you are using a 40 to 1 ration of fabrivk softener. dont make the mistake of using a dropper. It needs to be a fine spray mist.. good luck!!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 161
Full Member
|
|
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 161 |
Don't use this method very much but know techs who have used it with some success. Make sure you don't use downey. You might literally end up with Renner blues 
John Ruggero Ruggero Piano Raleigh, NC A technician based, distributer of fine pianos including Boesendorfer,Fazioli, Mason and Hamlin, Schimmel, Charles R. Walter, Estonia, and Falcone www.ruggeropiano.com
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,236
Yikes! 10000 Post Club Member
|
|
Yikes! 10000 Post Club Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,236 |
It took me a minute, John, but I got it.  Ralph, When using fabric softener, I usually use one capful per load.  Seriously, are you sure that lacquer is the culprit? What kind of hammer and piano are we speaking of? If reinforcing lacquer is the problem, you might try a microdrop of acetone at the strikepoint or just at the top of the shoulders. disclaimer: **My advice is always worth exactly what you pay for it.**
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,651
1000 Post Club Member
|
|
OP
1000 Post Club Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,651 |
Actually, I was more curious than really thinking about using fabric softener. I came across this technique while searching the piano tech archives. I have a recently rebuilt S&S B and have been slowly voicing the hammers over the past month. I have them just about where I want them by using sanding sealer and steam when needed.
I think sanding sealer gives a much better result than lacquer or acetone/keytop. The latter sure is fast, but I think yields a harsher sound.
Do or do not. There is no try.
|
|
|
|
Forums43
Topics223,385
Posts3,349,183
Members111,631
| |
Most Online15,252
Mar 21st, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
