<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 lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> You wrote:     "There used to be a lot of folks trying to justify doping hammers by asserting that you could get the same sound as needled hammers.  I am glad I dont hear this kind of thing anymore myself, because it really isnt true to begin with, and secondly... who should need such a justification to begin with ? Steinway NY states outright that they dont get the sound they want without using soft hammers built up with lacquer."   RB     My reaction was to the question of whether a lacquered hammer has a distinct qualitative different from a non-lacquered hammer.  In other words, can you hear the lacquer?  My point of clarification was that in the case of total immersion where the lacquer reached the working part of the hammer (strike point area) you could but in other cases where the lacquer was used away from the strike point for reinforcing the shoulders, you really can't.  Having used countless sets of lacquered and non lacquered hammers over the years, that is my view.  It has little to do with the difference between Wurzen and Bacon on a Charles Walter piano.  Nor does my answer have anything to do with whether a firmer or softer hammer is appropriate for a particular piano or what can or can't be achieved in terms of needling.  In fact, I comment in my original post that a harder or softer hammer will have a different sound but those differences might be minimized by either needling or playing in.   With respect to lacquer changing over time, there have been a few on this list who have commented on the longevity of lacquered hammers and how the lacquer continues to harden over time.  You can go into the archives and search it out if you wish.  That is also my experience and why I have come to prefer not to use it especially in the area of the strike point.   Please don't play this game of innocence, your pulling out a meaningless and inappropriate reference to the Charles Walter situation was a feeble attempt to point out a contradiction from me in a crude pass at one-up-man-ship.   Of course, you are welcome to comment on my postings as well as disagree.  I presume I am afforded the same opportunity without those disagreements being referred to as “potent broadsides”.  All I’m asking is that you stick to the issue and not attempt to restate what you think I have said, will say or might say and spare me the trouble of correcting you as I’ve had to do here.  If you have a question on my position about something, ask me.  I will more than happy to clarify it for you.      David Love davidlovepianos@comcast.net www.davidlovepianos.com   -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Richard Brekne Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 12:52 AM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Felt quality   David.   I was simply responding to a post in which you responded to one of my posts.   http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech.php/2007-October/211584.html   If misunderstandings occur, as they often do in the course of any discussion, one simply works them out.  Otherwise, differences in experience, tastes and preferences are commonplace do not constitute a reason to get ruffled.  I read as carefully as anyone, and do not engage in accusations about whos wasting the list time, who doesnt know this or that,  or as is in this case  "generally oversimplify, misstate, distort, mispresent..."  I do none of these things in reality.   If you post anything on this list, it is subject to comment and question... by anyone else. You dont hesitate to fire off potent broadsides whenever you wish. For my part... I endeavour to keep my posts as topical and non-personal as I can.   And on that note.. back to the actual topic of the discussion... I still am earnestly curious about the question I posed. And fwiw the commentary about stability of lacquer was simple edification... relation of observation as to how many people have different opinions on the matter. Not a big deal.   Cheers RicB         www.davidlovepianos.com         </div> </body> </html>