Rebuilding Steinway Actions: The Teflon Era (1962-1981)

Introduction

The rebuilding of pianos and piano actions is typically reserved for higher-end instruments like Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, premium Yamaha,  Kawai and European pianos. The economics make sense: while a new Steinway Model B costs $135,000, a complete rebuild—including new soundboard, strings, action, keys, and refinishing—can run $75,000. Since Steinway's fundamental designs haven't changed in a century, rebuilding offers exceptional value while preserving these iconic instruments.

Steinway made most of their progress in the 19th century, but it was their world class construction which set them apart. As they progressed into the 20th century, a few changes crept in which may or may not have improved the piano. The Accelerated Action is one of those features which has never quite caught on with anyone else, even though the patent has long expired. Teflon Bushings was another change which ultimately didn’t stick.

Historical Context

Some have blamed the CBS ownership period (1972-1985) for the Teflon problem, but these bushings predate their ownership - 1962 to 1981 - and in fact it was during their ownership that the Teflon era finally ended. Ultimately the Teflon bushings were replaced with traditional wool bushings.

Truthfully, the Teflon bushings can be fine, but wood shrinkage did and still does cause clicking. Therefore the best practice is to replace the components with high quality, traditionally bushed components.

Why Teflon?

The action components containing Teflon bushings were manufactured by the now-defunct Pratt-Reed Company, and were intended to create more consistent and durable actions. The theory being that felt bushings would wear out or tighten up, creating touch and weight problems.

Ultimately however these Teflon bushings led to significant problems, the fundamental issue stemming from differing expansion and contraction rates between Teflon and the surrounding wooden parts. Over time, this disparity results in:

- Clicking noises during play

- Inconsistent key response

- Irregular touch weight

- Compromised action reliability

Since Steinway no longer produces repair kits for these actions, complete rebuilding becomes the most viable solution.

The Two Component Jack

The other issue arising from the Pratt Reed era action components are the two-piece jacks. The two pieces of the “L” shaped component would eventually become unglued, rendering that note unplayable. Jacks have traditionally been made of one piece of wood, not two, but for whatever reason Pratt Reed decided this was better. New action components solve this problem as well. 

Modern Action Components

A common question is whether rebuilds use "original Steinway parts." The answer is not quite straight forward:

- Steinway Hamburg traditionally uses Renner parts (German manufacturer). Steinway NYC brought up Teflon with their German counterpart, but Hamburg pushed back, and never used Teflon.

- Steinway New York alternated between in-house production and various suppliers of action components over the years.

- In 2019, Steinway purchased Renner

- Regional considerations may influence component choice (e.g., Wessell Nickel & Gross carbon fiber actions for extreme climates)

For California rebuilds, we typically use Renner components—the same found in new Steinways. For harsher climates such as the desert or The Northeast, and institutional environments, using carbn fiber makes sense. We select hammers designed for the US market, which require hardening through lacquering, unlike their harder European counterparts which require extensive needling. Neither is better, they are just different. At Apollo Piano/SF PianoWorks we select component switch fit the individual instrument to the best extent possible. This often means Steinway, Renner, or Abel hammers. 

The Rebuilding Process

Here are some considerations

1. Action Stack Adjustment

- Reset stack to proper position (often incorrect from the factory)

- Reestablish correct key ratios to improve the touch weight

- Optimize hammer strike points (individually in the top octaves)

- Improve overall action efficiency

2. Component Replacement

- Replace Pratt-Reed parts with Renner components

- Install new wooden flanges and shanks

- Upgrade to “modern” wool bushings

- Install new hammers

- Replace worn damper parts or components

3. Should you replace your keys?

- Consider at 50 years of age, most likely replace at 100 years

New Keys have

- More precise balance points

- Better power transfer

- Smoother operation

- Consistent weight distribution

4. Action Weighting or Weigh-Off Process

Target Measurements:

- Down weight: 48-52 grams

- Up weight: 21-24 grams

- After-touch: approximately 30 grams

The Damper System

The "back action" in Teflon-era Steinways also uses Teflon bushings. These rarely cause problems and are typically left intact until the piano requires restringing and damper felt replacement.

Results of Rebuilding

Customer feedback highlights significant improvements:

- Enhanced musical phrasing and clarity

- Better bass integration with treble

- Improved control in quiet passages

- More responsive touch

- Consistent key weight

- Eliminated action noise

- Extended instrument lifespan

While some argue that CBS-era Steinways are inferior to earlier "Golden Era" instruments, proper rebuilding can actually improve upon the original performance capabilities. Through modern materials, precise adjustment techniques, and careful attention to action geometry, these pianos can match or exceed factory specifications while maintaining their distinctive Steinway character.

I don’t find this to be the case. They are well built pianos which just need some TLC to add those Golden Era touches. Fortunately it’s not a mystery.