1879 Steinway A

[Richard Brekne]

Hi Paul

We go back and forth on the advantages and dissadvantages of given 
amounts of key mass. For myself, I beleive in fairly standardized 
amounts, and by that I mean what statistically can be seen over history 
to be an average.

As long as you dont get into draconian amounts its certainly 
justifiable. Alternatively you could combine assist springs (which your 
old A probably had) to do part of the job.

However... these old puppies played the way they did because of how they 
were configured. Moving up a c ouple notches on the Strike Weights,  
countering with an increase in key counterbalance is definanatly going 
to alter touch somewhat.  For example... this one had about a 6.3 
SW-balance ratio and a SW curve that was well light of what that ratio 
could easily handle. Key leading  is about 3-7 grams under Stanwood 
maximums in the samples I took and I doubt I will have to change that 
much.  Springs were used to get static touch weight down to around 34 
grams BW.  I'll be lowering the ratio a bit with the move to 17 mm 
knuckles, increasing hammer weight a bit, and probably keeping FW levels 
pretty much like they are.  Its going to feel a bit different for sure.

I'll post the sample data  this evening.

RicB

Paul Chick wrote:

>Ric,
>
>I too am just getting started on an A.  The hammers are very, very light.  I
>couldn't find anyone that could duplicate the hammer weight.  Ronsen came
>out the best, but still on the heavy side.  Adding weight to the hammer
>meant some sort of change in the geometry.  Just to make sure....it was
>suggested to me that I move from the 15.5 knuckle to the 17 knuckle to
>accomodate the increased mass.  As soon as I saw that there was no
>adjustment to the jack without altering the cushions I opted for new wippons
>too.  I went with Renner wippens and shanks and flanges.  They match so
>well.  Also, there are no leads in the keys.  Same with yours I assume.
>Would it be justifiable to increase the mass in the hammer and then add lead
>also if necessary?  Advantages?  Disadvantages?  Any thoughts......
>
>Paul Chick Jr.
>  
>