Yamaha action with Steinway/European hammers

[David Love]

I would not characterize Ronsen as having a similar approach to Steinway.
The unreinforced Bacon felt hammers bear little resemblance to the
unreinforced Steinway hammers.  While they are both on the soft side, the
control of the pressing through the set is much better at Ronsen and
produces a hammer that does not always need to be lacquered, unlike it's
counterpart.  As far as the Ronsen Wurzen's go, they need little "building"
of tone.  

Renner USA is starting to produce a "Wurzen" hammer that is somewhat
different from the PB.  Whether it is available for public comsumption or
not I can't say.  Wurzen does make different types of felt and it may be
that Renner is using more than one type. 

David Love
davidlovepianos@comcast.net 

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Jeannie Grassi
Sent: Sunday, December 18, 2005 9:59 AM
To: 'Pianotech'
Subject: RE: Yamaha action with Steinway/European hammers

I think it is interesting that I have heard the term "Renner Würzens" used
lately.  Renner has always used Wurzen felt.  Their hammers are the same as
we have been accustomed to, but with the introduction of Wurzen felt to the
Ronsen line, I think Renner has felt it necessary (no pun intended) to make
it known that they are using the same felt.  

I think what is more important than who is providing the felt, is the way it
is used.  Ric makes a good comparison.  Ronsons have always had a similar
approach to hammer-making as Steinway:  Hammers very soft initially, with
the tone built into the hammer.  Renners have always had the harder hammers
from their pressing.  Bottom line....if they sound good for a specific
application....use them.  Knowing which to use and when comes with
experience and listening.

Jeannie Grassi, RPT
Assistant Editor, Piano Technicians Journal
mailto:jcgrassi@earthlink.net

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Ric Brekne
Sent: Sunday, December 18, 2005 6:30 AM
To: pianotech
Subject: Yamaha action with Steinway/European hammers

Hi Brad

I just put a set of Renner (Europe) Wurzens on a C6.  And the result is 
beautiful.  Renner Wurzens are slightly harder then Ronsens I 
understand, and require just a little needling to open up the 
sound....perhaps just a bit of lacqure on the highest and lowest notes 
to bring up the power.  I think the natural resiliency in the Wurzen 
felt has pretty much shown itself to be a very very desiable quality in 
hammers.

btw... I also find that for most uses a strike weight curve around the 
top medium - 3/4  medium range followed by a nice smoothing of the front 
weights to match a 38 gram BW yeilds an exceptional touch weight / 
response combination when combined with really good quality hammers and 
voicing work.

I agree... the asian hammers I most often run into are very difficult to 
get a satisfactory (to me) voice out of.  That said... new high end 
Yamaha grands use Wurzen felt now I am told.

Cheers

RicB


Question is, does anyone have insights on the benefits of putting different
hammers (i.e. non hard-pressed types) onto an
excellent Yamaha action?   ( I love the precision of the Japanese/Yamaha,
but I also serve several pianists who are dyed in the wool Steinway people.
who don't care for the tone of Asian hammers, even after careful-balanced
voicing).
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