[pianotech] Hammer stapling

[Tom Driscoll]

Eric Schandall from Steinway explained in a voicing class to the Boston 
chapter that the intent of wire-staple component of the Steinway hammer is 
there to support the shoulder . It's a tone thing more than a mechanical aid 
to hold things together.
Not to discount the  benefit of the wired hammers as we see the detatched 
felt on some verticals with the staple pulled out of the moulding. The true 
wired hammers  will stay together no matter what the glue does .Years ago 
one of tech reps from a now long gone company  (started with a W) told us 
the staple was there because we expected it to be there and it served no 
purpose other than perceived P.R.
 Tom D.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ron Nossaman" <rnossaman at cox.net>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2012 8:38 AM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Hammer stapling


> On 4/12/2012 2:14 AM, lim hock seng wrote:
>> Hi,
>> These may be posted before but I just want to contribute.
>
>
> Contribute what? <G>
>
> Actually, those aren't staples. The hammers are drilled through and wired, 
> which is a lot more labor than shooting in a couple of staples, but it's a 
> more positive fastener as well. With modern glues, I'm told, staples or 
> wires should be unnecessary, but I like the overkill redundancy of wired 
> hammers. Not enough to spend the time retrofitting new, you understand, 
> but the "get it secure once and for all" approach appeals to me.
>
> This is also a good shot of the magic mystery goop Steinway used (still 
> uses?) to hang hammers. It's reported to be hot hide glue, which is what 
> it acts like, but hide glue isn't that color and texture. This stuff is 
> mixed with a filler/colorant of some sort to make the application less 
> visibly obvious, but I have yet to discover what is used.
>
> Ron N