I run into this sort of situation frequently and I would like some opinions. Steinway model S ca 1936. I am replacing hammers and shanks only. I use Steinway hammers full taper, Abel shank 16.5 mm knuckle gives me the best combination of regulation/downweight from which to work. The strike weight is medium and consistent throughout. Key weight ratio is 5.0. When I install the hammers, I will still want to take 2-5 grams off the downweight throughout much of the piano (though it is somewhat erratic) to get a 52-48g taper. Doing so does not compromise the upweight. The present front weight of the keys allows me to add lead without exceeding the maximum recommended front weight (according to Stanwood charts). But... the keys already have a fair amount of lead grouped mostly toward the balance rail. Though the front weight is not excessive, the keys themselves weigh a lot because of the amount of lead in them (e.g. C16 = 163g , C40 = 144g, C64 = 133g). I have the option of adding a small lead, or removing two or more large leads from near the balance rail and replacing them with one large lead out toward the front of the key. The latter will produce a more conventional leading pattern--and involves a lot more work. My questions are: 1. Which one will produce a better feel? 2. Will the difference be significant? 3. Do front weight parameters change with the overall length of the key: i.e., is the allowable front weight greater for a model D than for a model S, or there other factors. 4. What additional information will be helpful in making a quantifiable decision? David Love _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
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