Someone mentioned overstriking hammers and it reminded me of our Belt fortepiano which was evidently built to have overstriking hammers. Since the piano is a copy of a Walter instrument of Mozart's, maybe they didn't worry about whether the hammer hit at a 90 degree angle to the string. In any case, our fortepiano needs some regulation and voicing. Does anyone have any information on doing the job efficiently? The mechanism is the Viennese style and the hammers are wood with a thin layer of leather across the crown. I've heard threading string/yarn between the leather and wood will soften the tone. I am not sure how durable the leather is. The wire is thin and has grooved the leather significantly. The leather isn't cut through yet, however. The piano is around 10 years old so maybe new leathers are in order. Any help anyone has would be appreciated. Richard West University of Nebraska
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