Wet rot in key?

[Bennyfingers]

Hi there

I have a 1960's Zender upright piano that I'm currently restoring...

I've only had it a few months but now it's getting colder one of my keys is sticking on the pin on the front rail... on closer inspection it seems like some liquid has been spilt on the keys at some point in time and caused wet rot... well I think it's wet rot as the wood has slightly swolen and is damp/soft to the touch.

I've widened the guide hole in the key with a thin file but it's still sticking and thus lacking a positive action. I don't really want to widen the hole any more but can't really think how else to deal with the problem...

Any suggestions welcome

Thanks a lot.

[vernon]

It's not "wet rot" but just "wet!"

Dry it out gently. If the bushings come loose just replace them. Ease the key and all will fine.

[Colin Nicholson]

Just be careful that you don't 'over-ease' or widen the bottom key holes too much whilst the keys are still damp. I would lift them out of the piano, and allow them to dry fully, otherwise when they dry out your keys will rattle like mad!! Just like Jimmy Saville!

[Bennyfingers]

cool. thanks gang