Steinway M, new strings, pinblock, hammers...so on. Client insisted on keeping action parts for now, save some money. Spent yesterday leveling/seating string, sound came up nice. Problem: Remains heavier then I'd expect for what is done. Able hammers with mahogany moldings shaped as much as I normally would. Some sample downweight is around 54-55g, upweight around 36. I want 50 but am reluctant to take off more before more thinking. I havn't had to do more shaping before then I've already done now. They sound great, a reason why I am not anxious to remove more weight I listened as the weight came off, and like where they are tonally now. Not anxious to make them lighter and brighter, and I have not juiced them. I'm questioning if the rollers(not original) are oversize, and this is causing problems. Also, whomever changed them did not glue all rollers in perpendicular to the shank, nor to the bottom of the slot. They were gummed up with graphite goop. Cleaned as best possible. They are somewhat flat. Does anyone care to comment on 1) The effect of oversize rollers.....how much difference in grams have some experienced. 2) the effect of crooked rollers, how much variation in touch weight have you seen this cause. 3) Chastizement for trying to save these shanks may be deserving. 4) And one other problem. I purchased Able hammers advertised by a supplier as "replacement for Steinway...26 bass". The tails are barely long enough to check, The backchecks were changed at one time.(its a 1927 M) If I unscrew them a bit I can just get them to work, and I'm not getting much tail contact. I did curve tails but not shorten them at all. I've rebuilt enough grands, and had enough success to know this feels different, I suspect when I test one shank with a new roller I will become happier. Ask away, or fire away, flamesuit ready in case. I am going to fix this....thinking. Dave Renaud RPT PS: Many thanks to contributing list members, your input does help raise standards....still learning. ______________________________________________________________________ Web-hosting solutions for home and business! http://website.yahoo.ca
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