Touch weight

[Bdshull@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 99-03-03 23:55:09 EST, you write:

<< Another way you may want to try is to lighten the hammers.  Are you a
 good hammer filer?  I've done this on several occasions and it works! >>

Rogerio and Brian, regarding Rogerio's problem with a higher touch weight with
new hammers:

Brian, you are right, the hammers probably need lightening;  Rogerio, even if
they look about the same size - or even smaller, they might be much heavier.
Unless they are carefully weighed it is impossible to tell;  size is
irrelevant.  Weighing makes sense in any hammer replacement circumstances;
Pianotek sells a couple models of gram scales.

After you have filed to remove the outer layer, you can use other techniques
to reduce weight without losing good hammer felt.  Weight can be removed by
tapering the sides a la older Steinway etc. hammers.  This can be done without
fancy equipment, using a cheap belt/disc sander and using a sample for
comparison.  Remarkable uniformity can be achieved by hand, but Bill Spurlock
has plans you can obtain for a jig to do this with if you need to use a jig.
Weight can also be removed from the inside of the tail, as well as (if
desperate) from above and below the shank on the wood molding.

Are you absolutely sure that the new knuckles are the same size?  1/2mm will
make some difference, both in terms of keystick ratio as well as increased
friction resulting from misalignment along the hammer center/whip center line.

Let us know how it goes!

Bill Shull
U of Redlands, La Sierra U
Loma Linda, CA