Switches and Finishing
By A. B. Bonds
The type of pull switch in question (for the Ampico) looks like a standard half-inch mount push-button, complete with stacked phenolic insulator. The special deal is that it is a snap-action switch (not push-button) and it is ON when pulled out and OFF when pushed in. The travel is something like 3/16". I was thinking of replacing mine with an opto-interrupter connected to a solid state relay. This would require having a fleapower 5 or 10 volt source that is on all of the time, but that is not too scary. I think I can hide a wall wart somewhere in the instrument.....
Another issue (question): I have a 1929 (by the serial number) William Knabe Ampico B grand. It is a Louis XV or some such carved case, in walnut veneer. The wood is gorgeous, as expected from Knabes of that vintage. I have no idea what the finish is. It has a satiny walnut appearance. There is no hint of alligator anywhere on the piano, so I do not believe that it was varnished. A couple of people have looked at it and ventured that it was some kind of oil finish, but neither they (nor I) are familiar with what was used at that time.
My reason for concern is that it has a few watermarks (from glasses) that it acquired before it moved into my living room, and I'd like to minimize them, but don't know what to do. Any guesses?
A. B. Bonds
|
(Message sent Thu 15 Aug 1996, 16:21:04 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.) |
|
|
Mechanical
Music Digest™ Archives
