For the KG-2C Kawai does have the shanks and flanges as well has the hammers themselves, but not pre-mounted from Japan. The factory no longer has the jigs for pianos prior to the 'D' series. They can supply pre-hung hammers for KG-D series and forward by special order, which takes a couple of months to get. The hammers we get from Japan are similar to new Kawai hammers, and they need a lot of needling before they are ready to go. I have compared hammers from a few different makers in our pianos, and also like both the Ronsen Weikert felt hammers and the Abel Naturals. The Ronsens had a little less "bite" at Fortissimo than the Abels, but both install well and voice pretty easily. Don Mannino Kawai America -----Original Message----- From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Anderson Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2012 2:47 PM To: caut at ptg.org Subject: [CAUT] Kawai KG-2C hammer shank-flange options The subject is in the studio of a piano professor and has had its hammers reshaped a few times, and its knucles are the flattest I've ever seen. I called Kawai in the hopes they would sell a pre-hung set. No dice. Are original hammers and parts desireable here are is there a hammer you prefer for the job? In this case the piano is in a high ceiling studio with hard walls and floors and I was called in because it was too bright. More than 1/2" of flat on top the hammers definately didn't help... What hammers would you suggest sampling for the customer? Andrew Anderson, Artisan Piano
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