Last I knew they were Ronsen Wurzens. You can tell by looking at the low bass hammers and you should see some yellowish concentric circles moving in toward the core. I wouldn't use lacquer on these hammers if it can be avoided. I would start by filing the bass hammers (or the others for that matter) lightly and then polishing them with up to 1000 grit backed paper. That should be enough on that piano to bring out some shine. If you feel compelled to use lacquer don't use anything stronger than an 8:1 solution and preferably only at the extremes (high treble, lowest bass). Overall in the bass I would really try and avoid saturating the hammer. Maybe test by putting a drop on the crown first. That piano is designed to be a bit warm sounding and will not do well if you try and turn it into something bright and loud. David Love davidlovepianos at comcast.net www.davidlovepianos.com -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Mark Dierauf Sent: Sunday, October 07, 2007 5:13 AM To: Pianotech Subject: Walter 175 hammers I have been asked to voice up a set of hammers on a new Charles Walter 175 grand. They look like Renner hammers, but are quite mellow sounding. Does anybody know if these are Wurzen felt? If I lacquer, should I use the same techniques as on Steinway hammers, or is there a better procedure for this type of hammer? The bass in particular needs a lot more oompf. - Mark Dierauf
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