<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
<META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=US-ASCII">
<META content="MSHTML 6.00.2800.1400" name=GENERATOR></HEAD>
<BODY id=role_body style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: =
Arial"
bottomMargin=7 leftMargin=7 topMargin=7 rightMargin=7><FONT id=rol=
e_document
face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>
<DIV>
<DIV>In a message dated 8/3/2004 3:14:01 PM Pacific Standard Time,
VOCE88@aol.com writes:</DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: blue 2px solid"><=
FONT
style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000 size=
=2>
<DIV>Dear List,</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> When rebuilding a Steinway, we have been usi=
ng
Renner actions for years now. The fact that they have parts that are so
consistent, with such low tolerances, and have different dimensions availa=
ble
allow what we feel is the best possible replacement. In fact we use Renner=
for
Masons, Knabe, etc.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> The only thing constant in this world, thoug=
h,
is change. What are others using today? Are you still happiest with Renner=
?
Has anyone tried Abel shanks and flanges? </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Thank you for sharing your expertise constantly,</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Rich Galassini</DIV>
<DIV>Cunningham Piano Company</DIV>
<DIV>Philadelphia, Pa.</DIV></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV> <FONT size=3> Hi</FONT> <FON=
T
size=3>Rich</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3> I find that after years of trying different=
parts
on Stwys my current favorite parts are the Stwy Factory whippens becasue the=
y
fit every Stwy ever made nicely & regulate as per originals. The
Renners are taller than the origianals by 1 mm or so which drives the capsta=
n
farther down into the key & potentially off the magic line. I also find =
it
annoying to have to replace the wooden reg buttons with thicker ones to
accommodate a non original jack angle. The best application for the Ren=
ner
whippen works best in combination with the 17 mm knuckle placement they=
sell. I truly believe that is what the whippen was optimally designed for &a=
mp;
in this application works well.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3> I use predominantly the Abel 16.5 shanks on =
stwys
& the 18mm on the Masons. They are now made out of maple & the cente=
r
pin has not moved. I find the Renner center pin to be moved slightly out tow=
ard
the hammer thereby changing the action spread ever so slightly. Granted=
it's small but I don't wish to compress an action that has a narrow spread
anyway. The able shanks are thinned which assists weight management &a=
mp;
the maple is a nice addition which also keeps the part very stiff. I prefer =
it
to hornbeam.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3> Rich after hanging renner parts side by side to t=
his
described application I find that this set up reg better & handles =
the
weight better with less friction.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3> I find that the renner whippen for masons is a ni=
ce fit
but on occasion have used the Tokiwa part. Depending on the vintage Mason th=
e
whippen flanges will vary in height & the renner at times won't be the b=
est
choice. No one can fault renner quality but watch out Abel. I haven't tried =
them
yet but Wally has the new Stwy all ample all original dimension whippen
available now. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3> <STRONG><EM><U>As for hammers I've hung my =
last
set of anything hard pressed & Ronsen & Stwy hammers are my weapon o=
f
tonal choice. The wurzen & VFG felt is so
good.</U></EM></STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3><STRONG><EM><U> I would also consider the Is=
aac
but inconsistencie seems to plague that
product.</U></EM></STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> <FONT size=3> Regards</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3> Dale Erwin
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"=
>Erwins Pianos
Restorations <BR>4721 Parker Rd.<BR>Modesto, Ca 95357<BR>209-577-8397<BR>Reb=
uilt
Steinway , Mason &Hamlin
Sales<BR>www.Erwinspiano.com</FONT></DIV></FONT></DIV></FONT></BODY></HTML>