<HTML>In a message dated 5/29/2003 8:47:55 PM Pacific Standa= rd Time, hullfam5@yahoo.com writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT= : 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">In consideration of when it is = time to replace a set of grand hammers, what factors come into play besides = 1. overcentering due to previous filing down to a smaller size 2. a shape, such as too flat on the face, which too much filing would be re= quired without ruining the shape in order to correct.   If a set of hammers on a 9' Hamburg (about 11 years old) have a shape from p= revious reshaping jobs that appears quite rounded and with no "sloped should= ers"  would this have a negative effect on tonal production?  In o= ther words how important is the shape?  Steinway manual discusses the n= eed for the sloped or narrowed shoulders doesn't it?  These hammers app= ear to be small to me without much felt left between wood and crown even in = mid range.   I have tried to search archives but haven't found what I was looking for.<BR= >   Any suggestions for evaluation criteria?   Bob </BLOCKQUOTE> Bob, I think the 2 factors you listed are pretty good indicators, but they're onl= y indicators. Primary are tone, color change, and the ability to maintain vo= icing. We have all seen some hammers that looked pretty funky but sounded gr= eat or at least very good. It's true that shape, weight, distribution of density, and angle of incidenc= e pretty much control the sound, but we really have to go by the response of= the pianists using the instrument. Physical size of the hammer is not relia= ble as a test (weight more so) as density can vary significantly. Also, the Hamburg shape is typically not as pointy as the NY shape. The hamm= ers are rounder, denser, and less amenable to pointing (the lacquer in the N= Y ones helps maintain cohesion with a pointier shape). Regards, Another Bob</HTML>