1939 Steinway wippens

[David Love]

Mismatched parts can create some performance problems so changing both at
the same time is advised.  Also, if you put on a new hammer which is likely
to be heavier than the old one, the old and lightweight repetition springs
can have problems lifting the new weight.  With a new hammer that is heavier
you will likely have to use a different knuckle position on the new shanks.
Possibly you will need to go all the way to 17 mm placing those on a wippen
designed for 15.5 mm.  

Best in this case to do the entire job with Renner parts and hammers of your
choice: hammers, shanks, wippens, let off buttons, back checks, key frame
felt, balance rail punchings (unless it's an accelerated action), front rail
punchings, bushings, key end felt, precision balance the action Stanwood
style.  It might inspire them to do the rest of the piano and if they do
they won't have a half done action to go with it.  If you pick the right
hammer, they'll love you forever.  

David Love
davidlovepianos at comcast.net 
www.davidlovepianos.com

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Cal Munson
Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 4:25 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: 1939 Steinway wippens


I am going to be replacing the  hammers and shanks on a 1939 Steinway  
'S' and possibly the  wippens too.  All parts are original.     
Vertigris is quite evident  in the hammer flanges  and they are very  
stiff.   The wippens appear much less affected though I did not have  
the time to do a thorough inspection.  I assume that these  will  
eventually develop a vertigris problem as well and am looking for  
some confirmation that I can pass along to my customer.

Thanks for your responses to my previous post on hammer bore  
distance.  Though the hammers in question have been on the shelf now  
for 3 years ,  Alice at Renner could not have been more attentive and  
willing to do what she could to help out .


Cal Munson