Abel Hammers and Yamaha Pianos

[Richard Brekne]

Farrell wrote:

> 1979 Yamaha G3 - all original. Owner is an advanced classical player.
>
> She likes the "mellow American" piano sound. I politely asked her about her
> attitude toward getting an American piano. She said she will die with her
> Yamaha. OK. Task: get the Yamaha to sound a bit richer, warmer, mellower.
>
> I have heard a number of comments in the past of lovely effects related to
> installing Abel hammers on Yamha grands. I have never done this. Although I
> did remove a set of Yamaha hammers from a turn-of-the-century Balwin R and
> replace them with a set of Abel lights with stunning results (one of the
> best sounding pianos I have EVER heard).
>
> Would anyone care to speculate or relate experiences with making such a
> switch?

I have done this three times now, the last time with evening out of Strike
Weights and weighoff of FW's. I like Able hammers personally, tho I note that
some Stateside find them a bit hard. My experience is that they are pin
cushions compared to some of those older Yamaha sets. In anycase I have never
had any trouble getting a nice spring to a shoulder pinch. I think the Abel
hammers match up really well with Yahama grands. And you are bound to get a
rounder sound IMO

>
>
> I recun' the thing to do, if it appears promising, is to get a set and
> install a few and see what the heck it sounds like and whether the owner
> likes it.
>
> Terry Farrell




--
Richard Brekne
RPT, N.P.T.F.
Bergen, Norway
mailto:rbrekne@broadpark.no
http://home.broadpark.no/~rbrekne/ricmain.html