Most Asian-made vertical pianos use hollow metal tubes for the pedal rods. The ends are capped with a white plastic, Teflon-like material into which a pin is set to lift the damper rod or hammer rest rail. Lately I have encountered numerous pianos of about 10 years or older in which these plastic plugs are breaking off, rendering the pedals inoperative. Super-glue is ineffective to repair the caps because the material is too smooth and slippery. Here are a few ways in which I have quickly repaired the problem in the field. One way, of course, is to just replace the entire pedal rod with a traditional wooden dowel with end pins (if you happen to have one with you). Otherwise try these methods. Often the cap will break off flush with the end of the metal tube, leaving a remaining plug within the rod which still has a hole for the pin. Extract the pin from the broken end-cap and gently tap it into the hole. Unfortunately the pin sometimes will not be tight enough or secure in this existing hole. In that case I take a pedal pin, which has a fluted section in the center (which mounts into a pedal) and cut off one of the smooth sides, leaving just one smooth end and the fluted section. Tap the fluted end gently into the hole in the plastic plug; this will remain tight and secure. The smooth end will fit into the rubber bushing in the damper rod just as before. Note that with a section of the plastic plug missing, the overall length of the rod will be about one-half inch shorter than the original. I make up this difference by putting a felt front rail punching over the pin, and then adjusting the prop bolt nut for proper lost motion. On some occasions, tapping the plastic plug within the rod will dislodge it, and it will be too deep within the tube to be of any usefulness. The only solution in this case is to drive in a plug of 3/8 inch wooden dowel, and drill a hole in the end in which to insert either the original pin or a suitable replacement.

The May meeting of Nassau PTG was held on May 9, 2006 at Dancing Ivories - Paul Keogler's shop. Five members and one guest attended. The meeting was called to order by Paul Eccardt, our president, at 7 p.m.

New Business: Our election committee counted the mail-in ballots for chapter officers. Paul Eccardt was elected President, Mike Slavin, Vice President; Paul Keogler, Treasurer; and Marty Dinerstein, Secretary. We had a secretary's report and a treasurer's report which were accepted. Allan Schumacker, our delegate to the convention, has said he will put the chapter name-change request on the agenda at the convention.

Good and welfare: Mike Slavin informed us that Len Genovese was ill. We wish him a speedy recovery. Mike also reported on our end-of-season dinner. It is at Steve's Piccola Bussola Restaurant, 949 Old Country Road, Westbury, 516-333-1335. The cost is 38 dollars per person and checks should be sent to Paul Keoger at Dancing Ivories, 11 Washington Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706. The business meeting ended at 7:30 p.m.

Technical: Our technical was by Paul Keogler. This is a continuation of our previous presentation about refinishing. Some of the points covered were the difference between dye and varnish - the latter takes much more time to dry and must be applied after each coat dries. Paul also showed us some ways that we can use ordinary items for various steps in refinishing. By using things like pot scrubbing sponges and other available items, one does not have to get more expensive tools. We also learned about the proper safety measures to take while doing this work. This was a very interesting and informative presentation. We thank Paul for showing us some of the methods he uses which can help us to understand the refinishing process, or even touch-ups.

The meeting ended at 9:30 p.m.