Dear List, The misinformation on this subject has reached a level where we have no choice but to respond. We respect everyone's opinion, and have never tried to correct factual misstatements which can always happen in this kind of freewheeling forum. However, when our manufacturing procedures are misstated to this degree, we really have no choice, and hope you understand. First, Mr. Marinelli has never visited our hammer production factory in Germany and his company is not known to Renner in Germany. Secondly, we do not use temperature settings anywhere approaching 300 degrees in pressing our hammers, as the felt would be completely destroyed at that temperature. This is fairly elementary. Our hammer making is very sophisticated, and allows us to apply different temperatures to specific parts of the hammer as appropriate. Beyond that, we cannot comment as the process is proprietary. Finally, to the best of our knowledge, Renner continues to supply all of the grand hammers for the Hamburg Steinway, a relationship of which Renner is very proud. Let me reiterate that I personally enjoy all of your contributions immensely. Some of your collective ideas have resulted in our developing new products and/or improving existing ones. We do not wish to in any way limit discussion here, only to keep it within some bounds of reality. Sincerely, Lloyd Meyer >According to Michael Mohr the Hamburg hammers may be made by either Abel or Renner. >My experience is that the Abel made Steinway hammer is a little softer and may even >require a little hardening. I prefer this. >Bob Marinelli was on a tour of the Abel and Renner factories. He noted that the temperature >settings on the hammer presses was 200 degrees at Abel and 300 degrees at Renner. >David C. Stanwood
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC