Frank, Vince Vilim was a hammer maker located in Elmsford, NY. I have seen many of his hammers, but never one stamped "High Heat Brand". Usually they were stamped "Guaranteed Imported Felt". We visited his factory in 1972, just before it closed. It was being run by his son, also Vince Vilim, who was probably in his 70's at the time. I do not remember any of the presses being equipped with heaters, but that was a long time ago. Ray Negron Ronsen Piano Hammer Co. -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]On Behalf Of Frank Jahnke Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2004 12:51 PM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Hammer Detectives I'm getting ready to have my old Knabe grand rebuilt. I'm not a tech (and yes, I do hope to work with a good one soon), but have enjoyed this list greatly (and contributed occasionally). In the course of evaluating the instrument, I have tried to identify the "mystery hammers" from an earlier refurbishment of (let me be generous) marginal quality. On two of the lower bass hammers I found the name "V. Vilim" stamped onto the hammer core, with the designation "Guaranteed HighHeat Brand" printed on the felt. Given the recent discussion on Wurzen felt and the effect of heat on hammers (yes, these are rock hard), I have to believe that they are not particularly good, and should be replaced. Nevertheless, I have never heard of this brand. Has anyone here? Any comments on them? Thanks! Frank Jahnke _______________________________________________ pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
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