Striking Point

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi Jerry:

The 1/7 ratio which you say Reblitz recommends is wrong for most pianos.
The general ratio is 1/8. However in the top treble, this changes gradually
to about 1/16. If you consider a 2" string at note 88, a 1/16 ratio 
would give you about 1/8" distance from the V-bar to the strike point. My
empirical studies have shown that close to 3/32" is a better strike point.

Jim Coleman, Sr.

On Mon, 31 Aug 1998, Jerry Hunt wrote:

> In the continuing saga of my first major overhaul (no "R" words here) -
> an old upright - I am ready to install new hammers (Encores from
> Brooks). Have removed the old hammers (except for end hammers of each
> section), installed new flanges (applied denatured alcohol/water mixture
> to loosen tight centers), travelled hammers, installed hammers to action
> and put action back into piano.
> 
> The new flanges fit nicely, but I did notice that the distance from the
> notch to the birdseye was slightly longer than the old flanges (perhaps
> 1/32"). Unfortunately, I didn't save any of the old flanges. So now I'm
> concerned if this is going to throw the striking distance off? Reblitz
> (which I refer to religiously) recommends striking distance of 1/7 of
> speaking length. However, I measured speaking length of C88, calculated
> 1/7th and compared to the old hammer , and it is considerably off. Way
> more than the slight difference in the new flanges, but looks reasonable
> compared to what I am used to seeing on verticles; i.e. around 1/8"
> below the v-bar.
> 
> I would appreciate any and all advice on  setting the stricking point.
> Thanks again to all who have provided excellent advice along the way.
> 
> --
> Jerry Hunt
> Dallas, TX USA
> Associate member PTG
> 
>