I’ve had similar situations with requests for original parts and sometimes you have to live with that. But given the choice... Recently I had a situation with a customer with a "new" Steinway that had terrible weight problems and required a change of hammers as the originals were simply too bulky to be able to correct. After much discussion about problems with prelacquering, no control of dimensions and weight, they opted for Ronsens. While they had some concerns about the effect on resale they ultimately decided the proper weight, balance and tone would be the better selling point should that day arise. I was able to get a set from Ray that was appropriately targeted to a lower weight which allowed me to both remove lead and lower the balance weight (the originals were absolute monsters), one application of a light solution of lacquer to bring the tone up a bit and all is good in pianoland once again--well except for the "chiffing" sound at the backchecks and knuckles. That's for another day. David Love davidlovepianos at comcast.net www.davidlovepianos.com David Dittos on the Ronsens...excellent color, sustain, Power. The Steinways were on request. Dale I don't know why anyone would use a Steinway hammer when you can get a Bacon felt hammer custom made and dimensioned with no lacquer from Ronsen. The hammers I've been getting from him have been outstanding. They do require an application of lacquer but I'm using one 9:1 solution through the set, maybe two applications above C6 and that is plenty to bring out the tone quality tone. That's with MacLac High Solids G-23 clear gloss lacquer (solids content do vary between lacquers). 10 grams of lacquer to 90 grams of acetone in this case. They're less expensive too! David Love
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