hammer voicing solutions

[ATodd@UH.EDU]

   Since I haven't yet learned how to bring someone else's message into this
current post, I'm going to quote a Yamaha technician that gave me the method
he uses. Although I'm sure most of his work is probably done on Yamaha's,
at the present time, it will probably to other brands.
   He did say that he doesn't like the plastic/acetone mixture on Renner
hammers. I've used it a little and it does brighten up the tone, but I'm not
sure it's the best way, especially on Renners.
   His mixture is: about 1 part lacquer SANDING SEALER to about 7 parts
acetone. His comments were: "This should bring the hammers up fast enough to
minimize the "Are they done yet" syndrome while allowing you the ability to
control how much they come up. If the first application isn't enough, you
can do subsequent applications quite easily. This also allows you to needle
any that you find too "hot"."
   I like the plastic mixture in some situations, and I know of others who
use it, even on Renners. However, the next time I need to "juice" I'm going
to try the above mixture.

Hope this helps.

Avery Todd
University of Houston
atodd@uh.edu