Yamaha Shank weights

[J Patrick Draine]

My vague recollection is that these are weighted plastic clip-ons that
one pops onto the shank. I remeber seeing them at some Yamaha class
some years back. Basically a proprietary version of the Stanwood heavy
duty paper clips (sold by Pianotek or any office supply store).
David Stanwood gave an overview talk on Strike Weight Metrology at
this week's Boston Chapter meeting; when someone asked about its usage
for upright pianos he emphasized that increasing hammer weight is
especially helpful in getting more power out of the bass section (the
paper clips being fast & effective).
Patrick Draine

On 3/23/07, RicB <ricb at pianostemmer.no> wrote:
> Hi folks
>
> I am getting reports that Yamaha is selling something for grand pianos
> called Shank Weights that are specifically for increasing touch weight.
> Anybody heard of these yet ?  I'd be interested in seeing what they have
> come up with.
>
> Also... in conjunction with this, a fellow asked me if there was any
> point to adding weight to vertical piano shanks / hammers in order to
> increase touchweight.  Seems to me this would have minimal effect and
> that there are far more effective ways of adding weight to the top
> action of a vertical for this purpose, if adding weight to the top
> action is what one wants to do.  He has added key weights... and it
> doesnt yeild the results he wants.... so he's looking for alternatives.
>
> Input is welcome
>
> Thanks
> RicB
>
>
>