I've been following the thread about using new-age material
with interest and amusement.  Kawai and other piano companies
have substituted for leather some material called Ecsaine.

It was introduced as a synthetic suede in the clothing industry.
It is not the stuff Baldwin used in the 1970's.  Has anyone
used this stuff in players?

Jeff Davis, from Seattle

 [ See http://www.ecsaine.com/english/about/products/index.html 
 [ The 1.85 mm thickness product is described as "Developed
 [ for use in pianos, a high-performance material that is as
 [ flexible as it is wear-resistant."  -- Robbie