"Loss of Tone" Complaint

[Farrell]

I've received some interesting input on this one. Certainly substituting a
couple good hammers on the rascal will tell a lot, and is not difficult. I
think that will be one of the first things I try. I suspect they may
consider spending a few $ on this piano. It appears to be a very well made
piano. Big time massive thick rim. Steinway-style bracing underneath. Has
the horn on the plate that goes to the bracing on the belly rail between the
bass and tenor. Has a soundboard ribbing pattern much like my Mason & Hamlin
upright with widely spaced big thick ribs in bass to closely spaced tiny
ribs in treble. Could be a nice piano. Thanks.

Terry Farrell

----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Brekne" <rbrekne@broadpark.no>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 2:43 PM
Subject: Re: "Loss of Tone" Complaint


> Hi Terry, I think most of us have seen this on some oldies. I cant really
tell
> you why this happens to hammers... I have always sort of wondered if it
was
> some effect of felt taking in and releasing dampness (ie humidity) over
many
> many years, perhaps in combination with some extremes in temperatures....
but I
> honestly dont really know for sure.
>
> It does sound like its dead hammers to me tho. Generally you can get a
feel for
> mushballed hammers by how they feel when you squeeze the shoulders. But
hey...
> if you are unsure...then just whip up a couple temporary new hammer /
shank
> assemblys....slap em on there and see what the difference is.
>
> If there is a lot of felt left, and this is one of those economy jobs...
then
> juice them up with shellack, or the hardener of your choice.
>
> --
> Richard Brekne
> RPT, N.P.T.F.
> Bergen, Norway
> mailto:rbrekne@broadpark.no
>
>