Tuesday, July 19, 2011 — I’m not convinced that the bug I have cleaned today is in fact the one shown in the photo in my last post. The only reason I say that is that the T-Bar pivot frame on the one in my last post appears to be painted; the one I won has a chrome plated frame.
The key cleaned up very well, though I found some issues while doing the clean up.
For starters, the dash contact post (the one closest to the operator) showed a lot of rust from simply being touched. Apparently the key’s main operator held the key with his left hand, steadying the key by touching the dash contact post. The plating was worn off most of the diameter of the post, and showed a pattern consistent with a finger tip. There was also a lot of dirt, grime and oil.
That post was the only thing that showed a lot of wear on the key; the paddles had a lot of dirt on them, but they cleaned up fine.
The key had quite a big of crud on the pendulum and dirt on the adjustments from being adjusted periodically over the past 75 years or so. It’s probably worth noting the condition of the key given its use over the life span of a couple of its owners (at least).
One of the things you cannot replace on these keys are the factory-look paddles. Not sure why, but Les Logan Speed-X keys have paddles with what’s known today as a “bull’s eye” pattern on them. The pieces themselves are made of some form of bakelite. As I said, the paddles are unique to the Les Logan Speed-X keys.
Earlier Speed-X keys — notably the ones without a label — used a bakelite paddle and knob arrangement that was not adjustable. The adjustment feature was unique to Speed-X bugs. When Les Logan sold Speed-X to E.F. Johnson, Johnson kept the dual paddle arrangement, but changed the finger pieces to a harder formed and contoured plastic. The paddles were shaped to fit the shape of your hand and fingers.
The key plays very well; I really enjoy this Speed-X 500/501 models, they have a very sweet low-speed feel to them. I have posted some of the photos here, so please enjoy them!
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