>>After thinking about it, I've come to the conclusion that it needs to be perpendicular to the vector from the pivot point to the strike point. Neglecting any gripping the string does on the hammer, there is one primary direction that the string can push on the hammer and shank assembly: perpendicular to the vector from the pivot point to the strike point. So it seems to me the hammer needs to be oriented diametrically opposed to that force vector. I should add, the vector from the pivot to the strike point should also be in the same plane as the strings, so the hammer would still be perpendicular to the strings. This would minimize the radial components of velocity and displacement, which somebody else was talking about earlier. Obviously, pianos are not made this way. Theory is a wonderful thing. It just has little bearing on real life. Dean Dean May cell 812.239.3359 PianoRebuilders.com 812.235.5272 Terre Haute IN 47802
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