Fine sanding of 1976 Mark1 key pedestals to improve the action

[lupo]

Hi guys,
Yesterday I tried to improve the action of my 1976 Rhodes Mark1 fine sanding the key pedestals with fine grit sandpaper (k800). That seems to me a clean and lasting way to reduce friction between hammers felts and the bare wooden pedestals. After the treatment I got a smoother and lighter action and so far I am satisfied with it (but still not 100% happy since the keys are still a bit too heavy).
Is there any technical reason why the key pedestals have not been fine sanded from the factory? Could this modification cause problems to the piano in the future?
Many thanks!

[The Real MC]

The reason was economics not technical.  A sanding procedure would had added to the production expense, and we're talking about a company whose bean counters were searching everywhere to cut production costs.  Fender was changing vendors all the time which frustrated the designers because the new vendor could not make the components with the same quality as the previous one.  It was not a good situation for quality product.

[Tim Hodges]

I'd be reluctant to sanding the pedestals. If they aren't flat it could have a negative side effect on the pins of the hammers and on the way the hammer rolls on the pedestal.

As you have a 1976 I would suggest instead removing the felt from the cams and instead installing it on the pedestal as the friction between felt and the Teflon infused hammer will be much less than compared to felt rubbing against wood.