Tech Tip
by Michael Slavin, Chapter President

I recently serviced a no-name pre-World War II spinet, not in great condition, although everything was still working; it was all the customer could afford. The balance pins were the thin, flat-sided typed seen in some older grands (especially Knabes and Chickerings), with a narrow mortise and thin bushing cloth in the key button. The bushing cloth on one side of the key button on F4 was missing, and the key was leaning and knocking every time it was played (which was often, as it was in the center of the keyboard). I had only brought my small basic tuning kit with me to this apartment in a high-rise complex, with just a few spare parts. The only piece of bushing cloth that I had in my case was much too thick for this repair. I didn't want to leave the problem unattended, but I was not anxious to waste the considerable time needed to return to my car in the distant parking area. I solved the problem by pulling the vinyl tip off of a replacement bridle strap and cutting it to the size of a key bushing and gluing it in place. It was just the right thickness, and the key moved smoothly and quietly (without any easing). The customer was very pleased with the results.