Hammer Shanks

[Dennis Johnson]

Hi-

Good luck to all trying to "prove" something here- but I'm not convinced
this is really possible in a definitive way. I'm also definitely not the
only one who has gone back and forth regarding thinning shanks. I have gone
to much extra trouble in the past to this end, but in recent years have
come back.  For whatever it is worth- I support thinning both shanks and
hammers toward the treble,  but less so, if any, toward the bass.

Back in '97 I did a study with the physics dept. here using their spectrum
analyzer to record output data using various combinations of weight and
leverage on given notes of a specific concert grand.  We got some
consistent and interesting results too- but not convincing enough to change
anything.  I guess I would like to see how consistently individual shanks
measure out from a given set before I make conclusions about comparing one
type to another.  I think most people don't realize how much variation
there is just from one part to another.  Ultimately we strive for a mere
illusion of evenness........and that's the process that is so fascinating!

take care-

Dennis Johnson
St. Olaf College