<!doctype html public "-//W3C//DTD W3 HTML//EN"> <html><head><style type="text/css"></style><title>Re: [CAUT] Schimmel attacked by fabric softener</title></head><body> <div>One quick answer:</div> <div><br></div> <div>I would replace the hammers and start over. The results will be much more predictable and stable. Once hammers have been compromised like this, it's doubtful that they could ever be resurrected.</div> <div><br></div> <div>Good luck.</div> <div><br></div> <div>Tom</div> <div><br></div> <blockquote type="cite" cite><font face="Arial" size="-1" color="#000000">One quick question for you more experienced techs out there. . .</font></blockquote> <blockquote type="cite" cite><font face="Arial" size="-1" color="#000000">    I have a 7' Schimmel on consignment in the store I work for that needs some radical changes in the voicing.  To the request of the previous owner, the bass and upper treble sections have been voiced down considerably.  Unfortunately, the tooner used fabric softener as well as excessive steam, as I'm guessing from the shrinkage.  I have just spent a couple weeks with Boesendorfer in one-on-one voicing training, so I'm comfortable with most voicing jobs, but this is nasty.  The top 1/4" or so is as soft as gym socks, it smells like Downy, and there's even a few scorch marks in the bass.  Is there any point in trying to save this set of hammers, or should I save myself the agony and just replace them?  O.K., now, control your grimaces. :)</font></blockquote> <blockquote type="cite" cite><font face="Arial" size="-1" color="#000000"> </font></blockquote> <blockquote type="cite" cite><font face="Arial" size="-1" color="#000000">Elizabeth Heppler, R.P.T.</font></blockquote> <blockquote type="cite" cite><font face="Arial" size="-1" color="#000000">Montana State University - Bozeman</font></blockquote> <div><br></div> <div><br></div> <x-sigsep><pre>-- </pre></x-sigsep> <div>Tom Seay<br> Piano Tech Office<br> School of Music<br> The University of Texas at Austin<br> (512) 232-2072<br> mailto:t.seay@mail.utexas.edu<br> </div> </body> </html>