More on hearing protection

[John M. Formsma]

Yes! Makes perfect sense. In fact, I did that yesterday with a piece of
dowel stock I bought. Haven't tried it yet on a piano.  The dowel is a bit
longer than the shank, which I found a bit short in certain sections
(vertical treble).

 

I'm also going to try a small brass rod to see how that works. Also have
thought about using aluminum b/c it's lighter than brass. But I'm predicting
I'll stick with wood.

 

Glad it's working for you, Ron. I hereby designate you as the official
resident expert in this. From now on, everyone direct their questions to Ron
;-)

 

Seriously, I think this is something anyone could do if they just get to a
piano and experiment a bit.

 

John Formsma

 

 

 

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From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Ron Boyd
Sent: Friday, June 09, 2006 11:23 PM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: RE: More on hearing protection

 

John,  I tried your method and it works great! I don't think I will be doing
hard test blows anymore. The only thing that I changed was to put a notch on
the end of the hammer shank so it wouldn't slip off the string. Make sense?

 

Ron Boyd

Milwaukee, Wi.

 

-----Original Message-----
From: John M. Formsma [mailto:john at formsmapiano.com]
Sent: Friday, June 09, 2006 9:10 PM
To: 'Pianotech List'
Subject: RE: More on hearing protection

 

Avery,

 

I don't know if you've read the entire thread, but the whole point I'm
trying to make is that it's not necessary to pound to get stability. I only
mentioned pounding after using the shank to deflect the string for those
pounders who might not think it works. No, I don't recommend pounding at
all, but it's an extreme example to verify the effectiveness of using the
hammer shank. Once that is verified, we can be comfortable in a method that
is better for the hammers, the piano, and for us!

 

I've known for years that stability can be achieved without pounding, using
a firm blow only as a test blow. Now, I'm convinced I can even leave off the
firm blows. (For the most part.naturally, I will continue to verify the
method at least once per piano to make sure I ain't heading way off into
instability land! <g>)

 

John Formsma

 

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