The reason this debate seems to go back and forth between lacquered versus non-lacquered hammers is because nobody is producing a hammer that either doesn't need lacquer or 50 needle strokes (or more) in each shoulder in order to get the tone that you want. Like Goldilocks, I'm looking for a hammer that's just right. I don't particularly care for what happens to a lacquered hammer over time, but neither do I prefer the tone that a heat and pressure hardened hammer produces, nor what it does to my elbow, arm and shoulder to get it where I want. Further, if needling destroys a hammer, why make a hammer that needs 50 stitches a side before it can begin to produce the type of tone I want and, more importantly perhaps, demonstrate any stability. Maybe the Wurzen felt is the answer, more likely it is the type and style of pressing that will make the difference. It would be interesting if tone production could be quantified in some way. My guess is that the amount of firmness/resilience/whatever will show up on some type of oscilliscope. It seems, from what my ears tell me, that the hammer that produces the greatest amplitude from the outset, with the least number of jagged edges, and that which developes into a smooth wave pattern the quickest, with the least change in amplitude from impact to development will be the winner. And let's not forget the low end either. A good pianissimo is as, if not more important, as a good forte. Do we want a hammer that produces and volume range from 10 - 20? Or would 3 - 15 be better. David Love davidlovepianos@earthlink.net > [Original Message] > From: Richard Brekne <Richard.Brekne@grieg.uib.no> > To: Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org> > Date: 5/6/2004 3:43:51 AM > Subject: Re: steinway over hardened hammer > > Just for the sake of debate and to stimulate a bit of thought... I would > like to question why it is that techs so often seem so ready to reach > for the hammer dope bottle. > > I mean...ok so you want to harden up a little... And the last thing > one seems to think about is needling.... as if many seem to think that > needling is just for softening up the tone. So out with the dope.. and > since often enough you have not worked on a given instrument before you > dont really know whats going to happen... so you end up doping.. then > needling. then doping again... and so on.. and the next guy comes along > and does more of the same... then before you know it you've > reconstituted the basic material the hammer is made of to some > combination of fabric and diverse chemicals. > > Seems to me that if laquer first is to be used.. then it should be only > because all standard needling up techniques are exhausted and one truely > has no other choice. > > Cheers > RicB > > >>>Hi Folks, > >>> > >>>Tuned an "m" today and the client wanted the a-440 note a little louder. > >>>Used some hammer hardener ,about eight drops from hypo oiler on > >>>shoulders( I was pressed for time to get to next tuning) and striking > >>>point. Hammer got VERY LOUD... I am going back tomorrow to bring it down. > >>>Any suggestions? > >>> > >>>Rick Ucci/Ucci Piano > >>> > >>> > > _______________________________________________ > pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC