Kimbell hammers (steaming)

[Baldwin Yamaha Piano Centre]

Greetings Fred,
              I will answer your post and the others in one shot.
 Given that the shape of the hammer is approx round as is the voicing
iron. Two touching circles in theory have zero contact. If the voicing
tool is used in the reverse position you can control very precisely
where you apply the steam, and hence where you release tension. I am
assuming that any one starting to use this technique will have had some
voicing experience.
  The question about lasting.  Many of the  older Yamaha C3"s in the
music department have been on their last legs due to numerous reshapeing
jobs, and were harsh in the extreme, I find that the job lasts about a
year. Given the hours, and advanced performance that the instruments are
put to, it's a better solution than neddleing. I have done comparative
studies . Two C3's neddled, two steamed, during the summer break 3 years
ago, the advantage of steaming is the fact that I feel more confident
taking the tone a little darker than I would by the tradition means. In
the situation that I'm working, and the acoustics of the rooms, the
results are superior.  I gave a short workshop for Yamaha Canada Techs
they are now converts. A good number of the Calgary chapter techs are
also using the method. There is definitly more control the the steam
kettle, the kettle method while useful steams the whole face of the
hammer, If you go alittle too for it is simole to voice the hammer back
up by ironing hot and dry, this adds to the amount of control, give it a
try I thing you will like the results.
Hope this is helpful
Roger Jolly
University of Saskachewan
Dept. of music.