Hammers

[BRENT.FISCHER@asu.edu]

On July 19, Robert Dettling wrote,


>>Could any one give me advice on what hammers to get for a Steinway O grand
>I did one before and did not like what Steinway sent me . I heard that Renner's
>royal blues are good . I would like the hammers to be light.


If light hammers are a concern try Steinway again, you will not
experience the  problem with  heavy touchweight especially in
the bass section as will happen using either Renner or Imadegawa
hammers. We receive Steinway hammers on a regular basis and I do not
have any problem with them although I would suggest getting them
unbored. I have Peter Collora in Dallas bore and taper the sets.
His work is better than factory and very consistent. His phone number
is 214-351-6636. Wally Brooks also has excellent hammers made by
Able with mahogany mouldings for lighter weight and his service is
fast and workmanship great.

The enlightening discussions on hammer weight and geometry have
certainly made me re-think our approach to rebuilding performance
instruments. One parameter that we feel is required is the issue of
key ratio, which to get right we now send our keyboards to Bob Marinelli
for complete new keys and balance rail positioning. This builds a
foundation that I think would enable one to use  the denser hammers
without sacrificing responsivness.

Steinway felt is still the easiest to file and shape in my opinion and
is not over pressed. I still prefer the quality of sound from soft
hammers judicously hardened rather than needling hard hammers down.
Authenticity of parts used is an issue not often mentioned here but
in the concert arena anything but Steinway parts on Steinway pianos
can be a problem with artists.  The voicing of the Renner hammers
on a New York "D" may be perfect for one pianist but become an issue
for another only because they are not factory endorsed. It sometimes is
a factor even with the average customer so we are  careful when
explaining to the customer whose parts are being installed in
the instrument.

The first Steinway I owned was an "O" with original parts. The
hammers were large but light in the bass and quite small in the
treble with  mahogany mouldings and the piano had a big sound even
before being rebuilt. Ronsen may be our last link with tradition
with their cold-pressed hammers.  Hope this has been helpful.

Brent Fischer
Arizona State University


Brent.Fischer@ASU.EDU
Arizona State University/Tempe