Hammer choices for 1906 Steinway K

[Barbara Richmond]

Hi Peter,

I just had an extremely nice experience (finished this morning) with the Brooks Encore Hammers (Wally Brooks' specifications, made by Abel) that I put on a big Seiler grand that had original monster, ugly, over juiced and heavy Abels.  I , too, am very skeptical whenever I hear anyone talking about "little or no work" when it comes to voicing new hammers.  I guess it depends on your definition of work---or more likely your definition of good tone!  :-)  However, these hammers were easily needled, and the power & sustain opened up beautifully.  I did use a little hardener (sanding sealer & lacquer thinner--per Horace's advice) in the bass.  I tried a number of different hammer samples on this piano.  One of the best parts of the job (besides getting paid), was since the original hammers were "overweight", these lighter hammers put the touchweight right in the vicinity it should have been to begin with (according to the specifications listed inside the piano), so, I didn't have to do major key lead manipulation--just some smoothing out here and there.

Brooks has a sample parts kit for not a lot of money.

Good luck,

Barbara Richmond, RPT
near Peoria, IL, but would have liked to go to Rochester

----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Peter Simcich 
  To: pianotech at ptg.org 
  Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2006 1:01 PM
  Subject: Hammer choices for 1906 Steinway K


  Hi, all

  I have a Steinway model K whose hammers I need to replace. I'm unsure as to what hammers to purchase, Abel, Rosen or Imadegawa. I assume Abel or Rosen are superior (though I read a post on this list which said that the Imadegawa's were the best, I suspect that may not be a majority view). As my experience is limited, I am intrigued by (but skeptical of) the Pianotek statement concerning the Abel hammers that "most technicians report little or no work after finishing". Anything contributing to ease of installation is helpful (i.e. I will buy pre-bored hammers)

  Thanks for any help- I am definitely in over my head - however, I've already restored 3 oldsters and don't want to "waste" any more time on worn out, giveaway pianos. Bought this piano for $500 - ribbon mahogany case painted a nice deep green - restored the case nicely (not exactly perfect, though). I know that's a backwards approach, but....hard to live with that green!


  Thanks,

  Peter S.

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