pianotech-digest V1997 #789

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi James:

In the olden days it was quite common to recover the top hammers with
leather. Leather can be shaped and it can be hardened with lac or other
chemicals to help match the tone of those neighboring hammers with very
hard thin felt. To us today, it just looks a little weird, but is practical
where the piano does not warrant more complete care.

Jim Coleman, Sr.

On Thu, 14 May 1998, james turner wrote:

> List Friends,
> 
> I have often worked on old uprights where the last few hammers are into
> the wood.  I have replaced these hammers at times with new ones, but it
> is often difficult to voice them to the rest of the old ones.  Also,
> many people just cannot afford a new set of hammers and the necessary
> work to get the old piano up to par.  
> 
> When high treble hammers are into the wood, is there any way to use the
> felt still on the sides of the hammers to sort of recap the tops?  I
> have tryed this, but haven't been too sucessful.  Does anyone have any
> thoughts on this?  Thanks.
>