Hammer striking line

[Newton Hunt]

The first and last hammers of the top section must be hung by ear.  If the
piano is in tune or near so the top hammer should be hung so that you get
the greatest power and clearest tone.  This with the key block and frame in.
Trial and error here.

Put a pencil line at the end of the keyframe with the key blocks in place.
Move the action in and out while playing 88.  When you hear the best tone
make the edge of the keyframe again.  The difference between the two marks
will be the difference between the best location for the hammer and it's
present location.  Doing this two or three times will find THE location for
that hammer.

Follow the same precedure for the first hammer in the top section and the
first hammer an octave below that hammer.  Check that the four hammers are
in a fairly straight line and if not do it again until you have a straight
line or you KNOW that the current locations are indeed the best location.

A parallel line from the lowest hammer to the number 1 hammer should provide
optimum results.  You can still use the old hammers as a general guide and
if you get too far off the old line evaluation the situation carefully
before you commit to the new line.

I like to drop some CA glue around the shank ends to fix the new hammers to
the shanks without removing the same for other types of glue.

Hope this is helpful.

        Newton
        nhunt@jagat.com