If you had an old V-8 needing a full rebuild would you replace bearing, pistons, rings, valves and springs on only four cylinders? I think not and my opinion of doing half a job on a piano is the same. If new hammers are needed replace the set. If it needs new tuning pins replace the full set. Doing a half job will come along and bit you in you half behind, painfully. The cheapest parts perform just like that, cheap. The cost of a good set of shanks and a superior set is about $100 but they will cost you $300 in you time to compensate for the difference. Where is the savings? Just think about how you would feel is someone did the same kind of work for you, half a roof?, half the plumbing?, half the cleaning? Do you really want to be treated that way? I would not nor should you nor should you do such work. Cost of parts is the inexpensive part of a job, the lobar is the expensive part so don't short change yourself nor short change the customer. Never do work you would be ashamed to show to another technician. No excuses accepted. Do it well and do it right. Charity work is all well and good but even them do no work that requires explanation or excuses. If this is a "half" piano you will still need to buy "sets" of [arts because I have not seen anything but half "sets" of hammers but they would rarely fit anything. You will likely have to bore them yourself to get optimum fit. Ok, ok, I am off the soap box now. Newton
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