Steinway Touchweight Problem

[David ilvedson]

Stan,

I have to disagree with his majesty Newton in this case.  You 
already have new shanks and flanges & hammers.  I think the 
owner would like to not keep replacing parts.  I bet you need 
to do some serious hammer filing on those Steinway puffball 
hammers.  What you will get is a nice hammer that you will 
likely have to juice some but the downweight will come down.  
Also reduction of the molding will make a big difference.  I 
would file first now that I've read through your post again.

David Ilvedson, RPT

Date sent:      	Thu, 03 Jun 1999 15:58:52 -0400
From:           	nhunt@jagat.com (Newton Hunt)
To:             	pianotech@ptg.org
Subject:        	Re: Steinway Touchweight Problem
Send reply to:  	pianotech@ptg.org

> Hi Stan,
> 
> The tails should be about 1" from underside of shank to tail end.  DO
> not shorten them to less than 1"
> 
> It is likely in the extreme that you have heavy hammers.  I would
> change them out for a lighter set.  Faster, easier and far less
> aggravating.  You will have to take off LOTS of felt and wood to get
> them down to a proper weight.
> 
> You might also consider moving the capstans forward a bit.  To
> determine the optimum location requires a little algebra, a digital
> scale, a calibrated set of key weights and patience.  David Stanwood
> covered this material well in past posts.  Look in the archives under
> "New Metrology".
> 
> Get the action kit from Renner America so you can mix and match
> wippens and shanks to get the optimum combination for which weight of
> hammer you expect to use.
> 
> Hammer weights have to do with the power of the notes, not anything
> else within normal configuration.  Tone has to do with the density,
> elasticity and resilience of the felt.
> 
> 		Newton
> 
> 
> 


David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA
ilvey@jps.net