One little thought, re: heavy action, I'd check the air in those knuckles, they could be riding a tad low! And then, of course, jack height and alignment ... hmmm ... everything, I guess. Might be worth it to pull all the hammers, clamp them between two boards and gang-shape the cups out, then run each of them through the old sander to taper the tails (sides only) and remove some weight. Alan Barnard Salem, MO -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]On Behalf Of Ken Jankura Sent: Monday, May 26, 2003 8:43 PM To: Pianotech Subject: 1899 Bechstein Dear Omniscient Omnipotent List, I tuned my first Bechstein ever last week. 1899, rosewood, about 6'+ grand, very beautiful. It just crossed the Atlantic from England, a gift from the woman's parents. It has new hammers and I have a few questions. She said she has a cousin over there who builds harpsichords and he may have been the one to replace the hammers (uh oh.....). Not a bad job all in all, though I didn't have time to really analyse it. New hammers, old shanks/knuckles. The 'cup' is still visible at the surface of the hammers, so I don't think they were filed/prepped at all. The tails are arced and checkered in line with the hammer, so all the backchecks are at angles to match the hammers. Is this normal for Bechsteins? I know it's normal for some Samicks :-) The hammers didn't seem to be tapered at all. It plays a little heavy and their son (who is quite good) is complaining. I'm due to go back soon, measure touchweight etc., and recommend changes or repairs. I plan to recommend tapering the hammers, or adjusting the strike weight however, and a good regulation. Any tips or comments that might help? Ken Jankura RPT Fayetteville, PA _______________________________________________ pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
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