Brian, I'm with Ed on this one. The sound you describe really does indicate to me the surface of the hammer is not matched to the strings. The solution to this is well described in Rick Baldassin's booklet on Voicing the Renner Hammer. Get in touch with Renner USA ph 203 -221 7500 for a copy. I think it may also be mentioned in the PACE articles in the Journal....... maybe the one on hammer filing. Once hammer contact with the strings is under control, then you can investigate the voicing. I firmly believe in getting rid of as much rubbish in the sound as possible before getting into the hammers with needles. Enjoy the experience Mark Bolsius
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