Alan I don't think the problems, the ripped up bc's, the very loose centers, and the voicing issues, are because of the intentionally grooved tails. The problem is with the way the piano is played. I would suspect the player is a banger. The harder the piano is played, the harder the tails dig into the bc's. (A smoother tail might have saved the bc's a little, but not much.) When the tails push into the bc, the shank backs into the flange, which does a number of the centers. The hard playing is also responsible for the voicing problem.  The problems you mentioned would have been there on a Steinway. Hyudai will not give you new parts. The customer has to pay for his/her playing style. It needs new hammers, shanks and flanges, and new back check, and a complete regulation. <div style="CLEAR: both">Willem (Wim) Blees, RPT Piano Tuner/Technician Honolulu, HI Author of The Business of Piano Tuning available from Potter Press www.pianotuning.com</div> -----Original Message----- From: Alan Barnard <pianotuner@embarqmail.com> To: pianotech@ptg.org Sent: Mon, 26 Nov 2007 8:46 am Subject: Killer Tails <div id=AOLMsgPart_2_024f3952-85cd-4c93-a65e-09b357c6fc18> <STYLE>#AOLMsgPart_2_024f3952-85cd-4c93-a65e-09b357c6fc18  </STYLE> One piano, three questions, please .... Piano: Hyundai G-82 5'9" grand, just under 10 years old Problem One:  Backcheck buckskin (?) worn, torn, shredded. Suspect: Hammer tails have are intentionally grooved for "grip" but I think this has abraded the bc's. Proposed Treatment: Sand hammer tails smooth, which will also make the tails curve in more (smaller radius at the tail ends) and, maybe cove them, too.  Advice Sought: Any comments (suggestions, warnings, threats) from the incredible pool of talent and experience out there? Problem Two: Bad regulation (infinite hammer swings, for example) and serious voicing issues (lack of or inconsistent sustain, "pinched" notes, etc.) Suspect: Less than premium piano + minimal factory prep + zero store prep + 10 years of playing = Disappointing case of ookiness Proposed Treatment: Full reg and voicing Advice Sought: Any comments, especially from people who know the brand, would be greatly appreciated. I have very limited voicing experience, but presume these pianos are the typical Asian boulders. Also, also, also ... How and where can I go to find out if the backcheck problem is under a warranty. The dealer is not in business in St. Louis any more and the outfit specializes (and pushes) electronic pianos. I found this number for Hyundai's American distributor 1-914-353-3520 in New York -- but the number is no longer good (never a good sign). Anybody know? Alan Barnard Salem, MO </div> <div class="AOLPromoFooter"> <hr style="margin-top:10px;" /> Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free <a href="http://o.aolcdn.com/cdn.webmail.aol.com/mailtour/aol/en-us/index.htm?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000970" target="_blank">AOL Mail</a>! </div>