Evidence of overlacquered hammers

[Richard Brekne]

I think we are bound to dissagree on this one David. We operate with a 
different picture of the (hammer) universe to begin with.  Guys like 
Andre, Bernhard, and I have long since come to the conclusion that where 
it is appropriate to harden to begin with reflects hammer felt that is 
inappropriate to use. One is forced ofte times to resort to lacq in the 
highest treble and sometimes in the bottom 3-5 notes.... but otherwise 
one can avoid laquer by the choice of hammers.  Reasonings behind such 
choices have been discussed many times and probably will be again :)

That said.. I will be the first to admit that those who have mastered 
the <<art>> of mushy hammers being laquered to tone accomplish something 
entirely different then the inexperienced tech with his bottles of 
keytops and acetone.

My preferences for the needled hammer remain, however very firm and are 
the result of many many years of experimenting with voicing techniques.

Cheers
RicB

David Love wrote:

>I think you have to differentiate between "hammer hardening" and
>"overlacquering". For some hammers, hardening, or making the felt more
>rigid or dense, is quite appropriate.  
>
>David Love
>davidlovepianos@comcast.net 
>
>  
>