<HTML>In a message dated 5/1/03 8:27:41 PM Central Daylight = Time, mary.tanguay@snet.net writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT= : 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">I am working with a customer wh= o uses their piano for teaching and recitals.I have recommended a new pinblo= ck, new strings,dampers,new shanks and flanges.   What effect do worn hammers (filed almost to the wood in the treble section)= have on touch and tone in a Steinway grand piano?   When replacing a set of hammers would you also replace the shanks and flange= s?   The tuning pins have been replaced with 6/0 pins.The torque is from 20 inch = pounds and jumping in the bass to 60 inch pounds in the treble.the torque is= uneven. There students are advanced and require a good touch and tone.I need to pres= ent this to a committee please help with your coments and suggestions.   Thank you </BLOCKQUOTE> Mary I don't quite understand why you would want to replace the shanks and flange= s, but not the worn out hammers. They are the ones that produce the tone. Un= less the customer specifically told you they want to keep the hammers, becau= se they like the tone of the piano, I would replace them, along with the sha= nks & flanges. You are asking some questions that would indicate you might not have the exp= erience to rebuild a Steinway piano. I realize we all have to start somewher= e, and sooner or later you're going to do a Steinway. But if you need to ask= the kind of questions you're asking, then perhaps that time is not now. I w= ould recommend you find someone in your area who has experience rebuilding S= teinways, and ask him/her to talk to the committee. Wim </HTML>