[CAUT] Fabric softener on hard hammers

[Jim Busby]

David,

I agree with Dale. Arlan Harris, a top NY tech gave a demonstration last Saturday on how he does it, in Carnegie Hall, or anywhere. I've done it here kind of as a remedial method, but judiciously used it can be a great high-level technique. (Not a hack job as I used to think)

Arlan used cheese cloth. One layer for mild, double for more, doubled again for Chinese hammers <G>. He never used it on the crown, but at 1:00 and 11:00. Proceed cautiously. That's his drill.

Regards,
Jim 

-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Ward & Probst, Inc
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 4:56 PM
To: caut at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [CAUT] Fabric softener on hard hammers

David,

I'd steam the hammers, it's pretty effective and very quick. I'd use a damp
cloth and hammer iron heated to about 175 degrees. Multiple passes will
bring the tone down, ironing after will settle it. Then needle individual
hammers as needed. If you want to add a drop or two of fabric softener to
the water you use on the linen cloth, it will accelerate the process. I find
the use of fabric softener solutions on hammers harder to control so I don't
use them. 

Hope this helps,
DP
Dale Probst, RPT
Registered Piano Technician
Midwestern State University
 

-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of David
Love
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 9:31 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org; caut at ptg.org
Subject: [CAUT] Fabric softener on hard hammers


Those of you who use fabric softener on hard hammers what do use, what do
you mix it with and in what proportion.  I've got a customer with an old
upright that someone put some real rocks on and there's no way to needle
them down.  Tried the alcohol and water route with limited success, going to
plan B before I set the explosives.  

David Love
www.davidlovepianos.com