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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I'm rebuilding a WNG action for a 100-year-old
Julius Bauer grand - about 6-foot. This is the one with the lightly-built
case, and plate that looks like it should be the frame for an army tank. It also
has the soundboard with ribs on both sides. The belly is all original, in very
good condition, and will be getting new damper felt and bass
strings.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I'm looking for recommendations for new hammers.
I've been using mostly softer cold-pressed hammers, but those are for
Del-Fandrich-designed bellies. I suspect this soundboard differs
significantly from a Del-design - and as such, may well do better with a
different type of hammer. I've used Abel Lights with much success on
original-bellied old American pianos in the past (S&S, Baldwin, others), and
left unguided, I might be inclined to go with them - just thinking that the
soundboard is likely not as efficient as a Fandrich-design and might benefit
from the firmer hammer.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Anyone have any thoughts on this matter?
Thanks.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Terry Farrell</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>BTW: This piano is absolutely amazing. I have never
seen a more finely constructed piano. The plate must have twice or more the cast
iron that a similar-sized Baldwin or S&S would have. The pinblock is
surrounded on five sides with cast iron - only the bottom is open. The belly
rail is arched - like a full inch - to induce a crown into the soundboard. So
many unusual features - the lack of wooden rim (only a small one) and
complete lack of rim bracing - and the way the plate is the entire
structural component of the piano - this is really a cast-iron piano with a
decorative wooden case. If you enjoy studying piano design and construction, you
really need to go through one of these very fine
pianos.</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>