<html> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=US-ASCII"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 10 (filtered)"> <style>  </style> </head> <body bgcolor=white lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> How deep and how close to the strike point did you needle?  Is it too soft on a hard blow or on a soft blow or both?  Mike’s suggestions are good.  If the problem is too soft on a soft blow, then polishing with fine paper will help.  If it’s too soft on a hard blow, then pounding the felt with a small hammer (support the tail on a platform and hold the hammer firmly with your hand to prevent stressing the centers) will help.  By needling in the lower part of the hammer (down in the 8:00 and 4:00 range and below) you can sometimes release some tension from the lower part of the hammer back into the crown.  One thing I would not do is use any hardeners on that type of hammer.  Sometimes an application of pure acetone (soak the hammer) will shrink the felt slightly and firm things up a bit. <div> David Love davidlovepianos@comcast.net </div> -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of KeyKat88@aol.com Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2006 4:59 AM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Re: oversoftened hammers   <div> Greetings, </div> <div>   </div> <div>          The hammers are on a Samick 6' grand. They are the original hammers. They were needled in the shoulders and as I went along if the sound didnt soften Then , needled closer to their strike points. </div> <div>   </div> <div> Julia Gottshall </div> <div> Reading, PA  </div> </div> </body> </html>