[CAUT] was caf now seasonal sb failure

[A440A@aol.com]

Bob  writes:

<< The second D, which is bothering me greatly is in

a church.  It's also a 1970's model.  I put all new

hammers and wippens in it replacing teflon parts and

problems about 2 years ago.  I hoped for great

improvement in tone.  While I got some, the piano

still lacks power terribly.  I am in the process of

adding keytop/acetone which is giving some help but

still not what I want. >>

Greetings,
      I assume you used Steinway Hammers?  If so, then the first thing  
needed in their preparation is to soak them, and I mean "soak" them in the proper 
lacquer/thinner mix.  Use a squirt bottle until the whole hammer  appears wet,  
(Steinway uses what they call 4:1, but if you are thinning the more usual 
refinishing lacquer, it will probably be closer to 6:1).  
   Without the hardening solution infiltrating the inner core of the hammers, 
they will never project with the power you are looking for.  Using 
acetone/keytop for this will be way too much, and if you are trying to work up hammers 
with keytops without the core being hardened, you will increase attack without 
increasing the tonal body of the sound. 
Regards, 
 
Ed Foote RPT 
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html