Tapered vs non-tapered shanks

[jolly roger]

Hi David,
                The Abel shank's are tapered all the way down to help to
compensate for the mass difference between Hornbeam and Maple. This helps
to negate touch weight issues.  I have switched to Abel where possible for
this reason, and also no graphite in the bushing cloth.  With our two wide
seasonal humidity swings, the friction is a little more consistent.
Graphite is very hydroscopic, and absorbs water during the high humidity
cycles.
Results may be different in different regions.
I have found the Abel shank's very accurate and reliable.
Regards Roger




At 11:31 PM 3/21/01 +0000, you wrote:
>List:
>
>What's the recent thinking on tapered vs non-tapered shanks.  I frequently 
>use Renner's shanks which are tapered in the upper range.  But sometimes I 
>will use Abel shanks for various reasons which are tapered through the set.  
>I recall reading an article some years ago which addressed this issue.  It 
>suggested that the best approach is to have the heaviest hammers supported 
>by the thickest shank to minimize deflection.  Thus as the hammers get 
>lighter the shank can/should be thinner and lighter.  Sounds logical.  Yet, 
>no one makes a set quite like this.  Renner's only vary in the upper end of 
>the piano.  Abel's do not vary at all.  Appreciate any feedback .
>
>David Love
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