I believe in Europe, refelting the hammers is often done...possibly this would be a good option. David I. ----- Original message ----------------------------------------> From: Isaac OLEG <oleg-i@wanadoo.fr> To: Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org> Received: Wed, 20 Nov 2002 18:28:09 +0100 Subject: RE: I need some advice >Hello, >The biggest problems is in the new hammers always being thicker and >with another felt quality than original ones. >Then action ratio have possibly to be slightly changed to allow for >the uses of these hammers, but tone changes are unavoidable. >Having hammer copies is may be an option, but I would not expect them >to be perfect. >Another problem is that voicing methods based on US piano tone are >very different from the voicing methods used on European pianos so a >very few people will know how to give these Bechstein a Bechstein >tone. >Take it for what it is, in Europe too a very few know how to treat >them. >Beside, Bechstein hammers are glued at 90? and that play a role in >tone. >I am actually learning how and why change the vertical distance >between hammer axe and whippen axe, to lessen friction and obtain more >mechanical advantage when restoring antique pianos (shorter whippen >heel for the most). >Old Bechstein whippen can be changed for modern ones, the tone then >will be more thick but more modern too. >Anytime you install new parts the tone change, I'd suggest strongly >that the whole action parts be changed, and the action worked as to be >modernized. >But as another option if you want to retain most of the original >characteristics (and for a Bechstein that could work, as they don't >need very tensioned hammer's felt) Have the heads reflected in Germany >by Able (with new rollers, and new felt bushings and new pins on the >original parts at the same moment. >Then the less things will be changed, and very little needling will >have to be done (but the base of the hammers will have to be needled >to obtain enough body in the tone, and most tuners don't needle in >there). >Remember that when you begin to repair one part of an old piano, all >the remaining defects show up (i.e.) you repair a worn keyboard, the >touch feels better but you hear better that the hammers are shot, you >change the hammers for new and hear that the old pinning is still too >free, you change hammers and shanks, and when you check new whippen on >a few notes you discover that it is the only way to have the piano >sounding and feeling as if new. >Parts age are somewhat paired, and the actual pleasing homogeneity is >disturbed when you begin the repair, that may be well why your tuner >is reluctant to give you any advice. >Here in Paris , France, many "fine repair" are giving a piano that >sound as an old instrument with a working action, but even when well >regulated the piano is almost always sounding old if old parts remain >in the circuit. >That is pleasing enough many customers, but not the most sensitive >ones. And often, they don't imagine how the piano is supposed to >sound. >Hope that helps, you can Email me privately if you wish more >information (or ask your tuner to write me). >Best Regards, and good luck. >Isaac OLEG >> -----Message d'origine----- >> De : pianotech-bounces@ptg.org >> [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]De la >> part de kam544@gbronline.com >> Envoye : mercredi 20 novembre 2002 16:17 >> A : Pianotech >> Objet : Re: I need some advice >> >> >> >... I would really like any changes to >> >be as faithful as possible to the original product, for >> the simple reason >> >that even as it is, this is one of the pianos I have >> enjoyed playing most. >> >It seems to fit me best... brian schembri >> >> Dear Mr. Schembri, >> >> Some of my thoughts: >> >> It can be done, but it is going to take an extremely sensitive, >> experienced, knowledgeable person to replace just even the hammers >> and have it still retain the character you sense, and still be the >> piano you enjoy playing most. >> >> And once having embarked on the change, if you're not satisfied, >> going back to the way it was will be well nigh impossible. >> >> Just my recommendation and opinion now, but be certain you are >> unhappy with the way your piano performs before making >> changes to it >> that might make you really unhappy. >> >> Best, >> >> Keith McGavern >> Registered Piano Technician >> Oklahoma Chapter 731 >> Piano Technicians Guild >> USA >> >> PS - Personally, I have no knowledge of technicians in France to >> assist you. Others on this the Pianotech list might. >> _______________________________________________ >> pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives >> >_______________________________________________ >pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
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