Walter 175 hammers

[Mark Dierauf]

Thanks, David. I will definitely try filing/polishing and perhaps ironing before adding anything to the hammer. 
I rather like the sound of this piano (I hear waay too many loud pianos!), but I think that the 
bass really is deficient on this one. The dealer is complaining and the 
piano isn't exciting any potential customers, so a subtle change 
probably won't satisfy here. Are you talking 8:1 using 25% solids or the 
Steinway 12% stuff? And if a drop (or several drops) on the crown will 
suffice should I perhaps be looking at keytop/acetone?

- Mark

David Love wrote:
> Last I knew they were Ronsen Wurzens.  You can tell by looking at the low
> bass hammers and you should see some yellowish concentric circles moving in
> toward the core.  I wouldn't use lacquer on these hammers if it can be
> avoided.  I would start by filing the bass hammers (or the others for that
> matter) lightly and then polishing them with up to 1000 grit backed paper.
> That should be enough on that piano to bring out some shine.  If you feel
> compelled to use lacquer don't use anything stronger than an 8:1 solution
> and preferably only at the extremes (high treble, lowest bass).  Overall in
> the bass I would really try and avoid saturating the hammer.  Maybe test by
> putting a drop on the crown first.  
>
> That piano is designed to be a bit warm sounding and will not do well if you
> try and turn it into something bright and loud.  
>
> David Love
> davidlovepianos at comcast.net 
> www.davidlovepianos.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
> Of Mark Dierauf
> Sent: Sunday, October 07, 2007 5:13 AM
> To: Pianotech
> Subject: Walter 175 hammers
>
> I have been asked to voice up a set of hammers on a new Charles Walter 
> 175 grand. They look like Renner hammers, but are quite mellow sounding. 
> Does anybody know if these are Wurzen felt? If I lacquer, should I use 
> the same techniques as on Steinway hammers, or is there a better 
> procedure for this type of hammer? The bass in particular needs a lot 
> more oompf.
>
> - Mark Dierauf
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