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Repairing Warped Keys
By Jim McFarland

[ Bill Chapman wrote in 050118 MMDigest:


>> Several keys are twisted making the instrument unplayable.  However,
>> when the weather gets good and damp, they improve but not enough to
>> make it useful.


Bill,  From your description, I find it difficult to make suggestions.
(Not enough detail)

If it is a simple nose-to-tail rotational twist, a simple setting
of the pin in the pivot rail will usually do the trick.  It is then
usually necessary to plane a little off one side of the key tail.

To set the pin, first determine which direction (right or left) will
act to obviate the problem.  Find a nailset which is nicely dimpled
on the end so that it gets good purchase on the top of the pin.  Angle
the nail set and tap with a hammer in the direction you wish the pin
to bend.

Jim McFarland



(Message sent Wed, 19 Jan 2005 07:09:16 -0500 , from time zone -0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Keys, Repairing, Warped