Boston verts break-in? (xpost)

[DCrpt@comcast.net]

       I was told to put "chemicals" on the hammers by a Boston Tech. rep.I 
have done it on several occaisions with good results.The key is to use very 
little acetone/keytop sollution,just a few drops on the crowns.At the 
convention this summer in Dallas,I attened the Stienway presentation about 
Hamburg S'ways.Now I know that the Boston hammer is not exactly the same as 
the Hamburg Renners,but they are the same type.At the class the instructor 
said in some cases you can brush the hammers with light sollution of lacquer 
and thinner on the shoulders and only strike point in treble.It would be nice 
if we could magically make hammers do what we want without "chemicals" but 
sometimes real life situations call for drastic measures.
       I  think dopeing hammers has gotten a bad rep. because some technicians 
don't know what they are doing.Before altering a hammer as drastically as will 
with lacquer or acetone/keytops,I would make sure I attended several classes 
on laquering and some just on voiceing.When used carefully alterations to 
hammers with laquer or other materials does not ruin them,and can make the 
customer or performer very happy with the piano and you.      Robin Olson
                                                             
> And I agree that the first thing you should try to do on ANY hammer that needs 
> brightening is to file it first. Once you get below the "fluff" you will find 
> that it's as bright, if not brighter than you need. The only hammers that I 
> would consider adding chemicals to are Steinway hammers, or else hammers where 
> some block-head has killed them by over-needling.
> 
> By the way, when I sand hammers, I don't use a paddle. I use thin strips which I 
> have cut to be just wider than the hammers. It works out easier that way. My 
> last pass is with 800 grit, with the hammers blocked up to the let-off position 
> and leveled. You have to blow the hammers out when you're done, but when do you 
> not have to do that?
> Kevin.
>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: DCrpt@comcast.net 
>   To: Pianotech 
>   Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2003 7:15 PM
>   Subject: Re: Boston verts break-in? (xpost)
> 
> 
>            Boston Verticles tend to be less brighter than new Kawais.I agree 
>   with Richard that a good hammer fileing will bring up the tone,also check 
>   regulation especially lost motion.These hammers are the hard pressed kind,so 
>   shoulder needleing can create some resilliancy and bring up the tone.Acetone 
>   and keytops(used spareingly)on the crowns may be needed if they want a little 
>   zing or attack brightness.                              Robin Olson 
>