pianotech-digest V1997 #789

[Wimblees]

In a message dated 98-05-14 14:29:22 EDT, you write:

>List Friends,
>
>I have often worked on old uprights where the last few hammers are into
>the wood.  I have replaced these hammers at times with new ones, but it
>is often difficult to voice them to the rest of the old ones.  Also,
>many people just cannot afford a new set of hammers and the necessary
>work to get the old piano up to par.  
>
>When high treble hammers are into the wood, is there any way to use the
>felt still on the sides of the hammers to sort of recap the tops?  I
>have tryed this, but haven't been too sucessful.  Does anyone have any
>thoughts on this?  Thanks.
>
>


James. 

Unless this is a high quality upright piano, that warrents replacement parts,
I would leave well enough alone. If the customer can't afford to to get the
piano up to par, or to buy a decent used one, it becomes a moot point to even
try to do something with those hammers. After all, for who are you trying to
get a sound out of those hammers, you, or the customer? If the customer is
such a great player that he/she needs those higher notes for playing, then
he/she should be willing to put up the money to have the whole set replaced,
or buy a better piano. If the customer doesn't play those notes up there, do
the best you can with what you have, and let it go at that. 

This is the way I see it. 

Willem Blees  RPT
St. louis