[pianotech] Square Grand Hammer Bore Length?

[Joseph Garrett]

Terry asked:
"Is it safe to assume that hammer bore length on a big-'ole-tank American
square grand (Steinway, 1867) should be set similar to a modern grand piano
- i.e. hammer shank horizontal when hammer strike point is at string level
(or even a hair undercentered to allow for hammer filing down the road)?
 
And like not 1/2" overcentered? :-("
 
Terry,
Although it is never 'safe' to ass u me anything in pianers, the pricipals
remain the same. The best way is to have Ray/Ronsen duplicate the
originals. He does the major amount of shoulder trimming, etc., and shapes
the tails as was original....er...more or less.<G> Generally speaking, you
will need to do additional trimming and tail shaping for the most efficient
(? if there is such a thing in a square.<G>?) results. Suggest the lightest
mouldings, (Silver maple).
Go for it.
Joe


Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
Captain of the Tool Police
Squares R I