Strike angle (was Bore Distance)

[Maxpiano@AOL.COM]

I've replaced shanks on many old uprights that had the hammer head at less 
than 90 degrees to the shank.  I would guess at 85 degrees on some, and I had 
to go with that angle to make them fit and look right.  What was the reason 
for this angle?

An institution I serve has three Steinway 45 studios with hammers so angled 
that, as they groove, are striking more and more on the "forehead" of the 
hammer than on the "nose."  I do not care for the sound of these pianos, sort 
of nasty and twangy, not to speak of the abundant false beats.  Was the angle 
intentional?  For what purpose?

Bill Maxim
Maxim Piano Service
212 Newpark Place
Columbia, SC 29212-8666
(803) 732-9225, FAX (803) 732-2641
wmaxim@aol.com