knuckle size/ knuckle mounting distance

[David Love]

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The problem with Steinway pianos is that the key ratios are all over the
place so you can't assume a particular knuckle dimension will work with
a particular vintage.  You need to measure each one individually.  I
find it more the exception that a 17 mm knuckle does not work and the
action requires a shorter dimension.  The Ronsen hammers made with the
light maple moldings tend to be lighter than the Steinway hammers whose
moldings are denser wood, though the relative amounts of felt on the
hammers can change that.  
 
David Love
davidlovepianos@comcast.net 
-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On
Behalf Of Barbara Richmond
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2005 1:02 PM
To: Pianotech
Subject: Re: knuckle size/ knuckle mounting distance
 
As always, Dale and David, thanks for your insight.   
 
I understand the hammer weight thing.  Let me add that this rebuilder
found that the 17 mm provided a bit too much leverage for most projects
and wished New York produced a shank with a 16.5 mm distance.
 
By any chance (though I know there are always exceptions) would 16.5
tend to work better in the earlier S&S pianos? 
   
Are Ronsen Wurzen hammers generally lighter than NY S&S?
 
 
 
Thanks,
 
Barbara Richmond
 
 
 
 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: David <mailto:davidlovepianos@comcast.net>  Love 
To: 'Pianotech' <mailto:pianotech@ptg.org>  
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2005 12:48 PM
Subject: RE: knuckle size/ knuckle mounting distance
 
 
 
 
I would use Renner knuckles.  The size will depend on the location.  The
farther down the balancier, the bigger they tend to be.  Choice of 16.5
over 17 should depend on the overall leverage as it relates to the
hammer weight, not a personal preference.  
 
David Love
davidlovepianos@comcast.net 
-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On
Behalf Of Barbara Richmond
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2005 8:12 AM
To: Pianotech
Subject: knuckle size/ knuckle mounting distance
 
Hey Dale Erwin (and all),
 
Long time ago we were talking about moving/replacing knuckles.   I'm
ready--um.... well, I have a friend who has all the equipment, anyway.
;-)  
 
So, I'm ready to order knuckles.  One time you recommended the ones by
Tokiwa.  I looked in the Pianotek catalog and saw that the Tokiwa
knuckles only come in 10mm diameter.   I guess you wouldn't use them if
it was a problem, but have you ever run into a case where that size just
won't work regulation wise?  
 
I have a couple sets of shanks and flanges downstairs and I haven't
measured their width yet, so maybe I'm jumping the gun.   Perhaps I
should just wait until I have the pianos in hand and can test different
shanks & knuckles.
 
I also had a private e-mail from someone who said he doesn't like 17 mm
knuckle distance, but prefers 16.5.  After using the 17 mm knuckle
distance on the Big, dead hall D and having to set the key dip pretty
deep (but no complaints from pianists), I am wondering if 16.5 mm
distance and a bigger knuckle (or not) would be better than 17 mm.  
 
The pianos that will probably get these sets of shanks and flanges are
1920s (or give or take a few years) Steinways.  One B and the other an
L.    I'd like to just have these sets ready and waiting for convenience
sake and also, because my friend with the equipment is available now.  
 
What would you do?
 
Thanks,
 
Barbara Richmond

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