<HTML>In a message dated 12/18/02 1:39:37 PM !!!First Boot!!!, edoss@utm.edu writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Also would you also replace the hammer shanks?  Can I get away with not replacing them?  Of course, I will regulate the action. Thanks for your help. Merry Christmas! Elwood Doss, Jr. University of Tennessee at Martin </BLOCKQUOTE> Elwood. I will others comment about the hammers. Regarding the shanks. That will depend on the age and prior use of the piano. If the knuckles are getting flat, and the centers are on the loose side, it might be more prudent to replace the shanks and flanges as the same time. Other wise, leave them alone until the next time you replace the hammers. Wim </HTML>