[pianotech] Shank questions

[John Delacour]

At 20:43 +0100 23/05/2011, I wrote:

>...In the 1890's Brinsmead fitted a shank made of a wood the colour 
>of black walnut, which I have never identified properly...

I have now identified it properly.  It is black walnut! 7/32".  I 
needed to repair one of these shanks on a 5'5" grand by splicing and 
was able to make an invisible repair using walnut.  The discoloration 
of the surface was misleading me -- once I planed the angle for the 
splice it was clear it was walnut.

Wolfenden reckoned hickory was the best thing for shanks but I don't 
think I've ever seen it used.  Do you see hickory shanks in America?

JD