Hammer Felt

[Phillip Ford]

I wrote:

>Unfortunately for us, I think that the felt properties that would
>make the best piano hammers are not the felt properties that most
>industrial customers are looking for....

>and that the
>maker wouldn't be bothered to make felt to their specifications for
>what he
>considers such a tiny quantity.

Isaac wrote:

>I guess the same occur in Germany, the difference actually is that the
>felt provided is piano hammer felt from the start , designed and
>produced for that use. that diserve much respect toward the director
>of the felt factory. A little like if someone may say today he wants
>to be a piano tuner !
>
>Best Regards.
>
>Isaac OLEG

      I believe that the situation is different in Europe presently, 
although I have the impression that you are going the same direction that 
we are.  I was amazed when I talked to Renner some years ago and found that 
they would be perfectly willing to make one custom action for me.  An 
American action manufacturer would have laughed me out of the place.  If 
you want 1000 of these we can talk, otherwise don't let the door hit you on 
the way out.  So, I do believe it would be more likely there than here that 
very specialized felt in small quantities could be made.
      None of my comments were intended to show disrespect for Wurzen or 
Klaus Brand.  I admire what they're doing.  And initial indications are 
that they may be making the best hammer felt on the planet at the 
moment.  They deserve our support.  At the same time, I get a little 
anxious when I hear anyone saying or implying that this or that company or 
product has achieved perfection.  If you convince yourself of that you tend 
to relax your diligence in insuring that your product remains the 
best.  This is the very thing that Steinway is often accused of on this 
list.  Also, as good as the Wurzen felt may be, I'm not convinced that it 
resembles the felt on old American hammers which so many of us here believe 
would give us the sound that we want.  Time will tell.

Phil Ford