1899 Bechstein

[Ken Jankura]

Dear Omniscient Omnipotent List,

   I tuned my first Bechstein ever last week. 1899, rosewood, about 6'+
grand, very beautiful.  It just crossed the Atlantic from England, a gift
from the woman's parents. It has new hammers and I have a few questions. She
said she has a cousin over there who builds harpsichords and he may have
been the one to replace the hammers (uh oh.....). Not a bad job all in all,
though I didn't have time to really analyse it. New hammers, old
shanks/knuckles.  The 'cup' is still visible at the surface of the hammers,
so I don't think they were filed/prepped at all. The tails are arced and
checkered in line with the hammer, so all the backchecks are at angles to
match the hammers. Is this normal for Bechsteins? I know it's normal for
some Samicks :-)  The hammers didn't seem to be tapered at all. It plays a
little heavy and their son (who is quite good) is complaining.  I'm due to
go back soon, measure touchweight etc., and recommend changes or repairs. I
plan to recommend tapering the hammers, or adjusting the strike weight
however, and a good regulation. Any tips or comments that might help?

Ken Jankura RPT
Fayetteville, PA