clues to grand hammer pitch

[RicB]

Hi Barbara

I suppose you mean the rake of the hammers ?... i.e. the angle they are 
to the shank ?  If so... I dont think you need to worry about what they 
are <<supposed>> to be because there are several quite acceptable 
schools of thought on hammer rake.  Assuming you dont have any clearance 
problems between the belly rail and the plate up in the higher treble... 
as for example some Bechsteins at the top and at the break between the 
top and treble sections,  you can approach this several ways.  My 
default is to make the hammers 90 ¤  with the shank at string contact.

You do know how to find the proper bore length yes ?...

If you are replacing much of the action, I suppose you should deal with 
your checking problems after you get all the new parts on.

Cheers
RicB


    Hi all,

    Just looking for any advice or a method for determining hammer pitch.  

    The piano is a 1929 Knabe 5'8" grand that was rebuilt in the late
    1970s with really big hammers.  The hammers are resting on the rail
    and there is 1 3/4" strike distance.  The shanks were replaced
    also--sort of an interesting job was done to modify the flanges
    (there is a cut out) to fit the rail.  I looked briefly at the
    piano, noticed it doesn't check well, but didn't take the time to
    determine the problem in checking (oops).  I talked with Ray at
    Ronsen and he said the pitch of the hammers varied.  

    My experience in action rebuilding is limited and this is the first
    time I've run into an already rebuilt action that needs to be
    replaced (one that's not a Steinway, anyway).  Can anyone point me
    in the direction of or, tell me where to find the information of
    what to do when you don't have the original hammers and need to
    determine what the pitch should be?  

    Thanks,

    Barbara Richmond, RPT
    near Peoria, Illinois