PianoTech Archive

  • 1.  Replacement Hammer Suggestions Baldwin Studio Upright

    Posted 01-22-2013 14:07 
    From Terry Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>

I have  a client with a 1983 Baldwin Studio Upright (model #4021) and all the hammer felts have come unglued from their moldings. I'm looking for recommendations on a set of replacement hammers. The owner likes a mellow-sounding piano in general. I'm thinking Ronsen or maybe Abel.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Terry Farrell


  • 2.  Replacement Hammer Suggestions Baldwin Studio Upright

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-22-2013 14:28 
    From Dave Doremus <algiers_piano@bellsouth.net>

For some reason I see that more often in Baldwin pianos than any other, they don't seem to like the Louisiana heat and humidity. I really like the Ronsens, you can always add a little lacquer under the strike point if the top needs perking up.


---Dave


On Jan 22, 2013, at 3:07 PM, Terry Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com> wrote:

> I have  a client with a 1983 Baldwin Studio Upright (model #4021) and all the hammer felts have come unglued from their moldings. I'm looking for recommendations on a set of replacement hammers. The owner likes a mellow-sounding piano in general. I'm thinking Ronsen or maybe Abel.
>


  • 3.  Replacement Hammer Suggestions Baldwin Studio Upright

    Posted 01-22-2013 14:36 
    From Terry Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>

Yeah, I see it a lot on Baldwins and the little green monsters from our famous "American Craftsmen".

Okay, one vote for Ronsen. That was the only thing I was wondering about using a Ronsen - would it be too soft for a Baldwin soundboard?

Terry Farrell

On Jan 22, 2013, at 4:28 PM, Dave Doremus wrote:

> For some reason I see that more often in Baldwin pianos than any other, they don't seem to like the Louisiana heat and humidity. I really like the Ronsens, you can always add a little lacquer under the strike point if the top needs perking up.
> 
> 
> ---Dave
> 
> 
> On Jan 22, 2013, at 3:07 PM, Terry Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com> wrote:
> 
>> I have  a client with a 1983 Baldwin Studio Upright (model #4021) and all the hammer felts have come unglued from their moldings. I'm looking for recommendations on a set of replacement hammers. The owner likes a mellow-sounding piano in general. I'm thinking Ronsen or maybe Abel.
>>


  • 4.  Replacement Hammer Suggestions Baldwin Studio Upright

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-22-2013 14:37 
    From tnrwim@aol.com

Terry.  Brooks has the right hammers for you. 

Wim

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 22, 2013, at 11:07 AM, Terry Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com> wrote:

> I have  a client with a 1983 Baldwin Studio Upright (model #4021) and all the hammer felts have come unglued from their moldings. I'm looking for recommendations on a set of replacement hammers. The owner likes a mellow-sounding piano in general. I'm thinking Ronsen or maybe Abel.
> 
> Any suggestions?
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> Terry Farrell


  • 5.  Replacement Hammer Suggestions Baldwin Studio Upright

    Posted 01-22-2013 14:41 
    From Terry Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>

Wally sells Abels - yes?  I put a set of Abel lights on an old Baldwin R grand some years back and was very delighted with the tone.

Terry Farrell

On Jan 22, 2013, at 4:36 PM, tnrwim@aol.com wrote:

> Terry.  Brooks has the right hammers for you. 
> 
> Wim
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> On Jan 22, 2013, at 11:07 AM, Terry Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com> wrote:
> 
>> I have  a client with a 1983 Baldwin Studio Upright (model #4021) and all the hammer felts have come unglued from their moldings. I'm looking for recommendations on a set of replacement hammers. The owner likes a mellow-sounding piano in general. I'm thinking Ronsen or maybe Abel.
>> 
>> Any suggestions?
>> 
>> Thanks.
>> 
>> Terry Farrell


  • 6.  Replacement Hammer Suggestions Baldwin Studio Upright

    Posted 01-22-2013 15:38 
    From "Roger@Integra.net" <rgable@integra.net>

Terry,
I believe Ronson would be too soft. Abel is a better guess.
Roger


    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 7.  Replacement Hammer Suggestions Baldwin Studio Upright

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-22-2013 22:31 
    From Dale Erwin <erwinspiano@aol.com>

I strongly but respectfully disagree. Use the VFG or Weickert.


Dale Erwin R.P.T.
Erwin's Piano Restoration Inc.
 Mason & Hamlin/Steinway/U.S. pianos
www.Erwinspiano.com
Phone: 209-577-8397

 
  -----
From: Roger@Integra.net <rgable@integra.net>
To: pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Tue, Jan 22, 2013 2:44 pm
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Replacement Hammer Suggestions Baldwin Studio Upright


Terry,
I believe Ronson would be too soft. Abel is a better guess.
Roger


    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
                                                        Original Message


  • 8.  Replacement Hammer Suggestions Baldwin Studio Upright

    Posted 01-23-2013 05:02 
    From Terry Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>

That's where my initial thinking was pointing me. Thanks.

Terry Farrell

On Jan 22, 2013, at 5:38 PM, Roger@Integra.net wrote:

> Terry,
> I believe Ronson would be too soft. Abel is a better guess.
> Roger
> 
> 
    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
                                                        Original Message


  • 9.  Replacement Hammer Suggestions Baldwin Studio Upright

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-23-2013 12:32 
    From erwinspiano@aol.com

Hi Terry
   Its usually the people who have only ancient experience with Ronsen products who say the hammer is too soft. Boggles my mind. so...I wouldn't be too quick to drink that cool-aid.
   For example...If you install Wurzen AA felt the sound may be too strident as it is quite a firm felt. Needling will be required. Almost for sure no hardeners required. Same with the  VFG felt from Germany
   Ronsen Piano Hammer/Ray Negron  can make a hammer from felt for almost any density required and He or I can supply it.
   I'd be willing to send some samples to try? Just ask. 
  
  Every time the subject of Ronsen hammers comes up I am amazed(a bit frustrated) at the perpetual disinformation that is so prevalent, which ,  usually offered by someone who used the product 20 years ago when felt supplies were really crappy. It affected everyone's product.....yes, including Stwy and people still ordered and order their hammers.  
  So please permit me to enclose an attachment of what felts are available and the difference in the characteristics. I won't include price lists and such


The Ronsen product turned around when Ray started using the VFG felt in 1994. Thats 19 years ago folks and this is when I began to use them after really dismal experiences with All the other makes that seem to come first on our lips. Proof that marketing is very effective
 
Anyway...The VFG felt is an instant music hammer usually requiring no lacquer. Very present and pleasing sound. Plays in quickly. And since then He's added 3 other high, high quality felts. The Bacon felt which Steinway still uses, & The Wurzen AA and the "Weickert special felt" Both made by Wurzen felt company in Germany. Two very different blends of felt.
If any thing here is not clear please ask me to make it so.


 FWIW...I am always available for questions & consultation. Always! I can often send samples & we also provide action parts and pre-hung hammers. Its what I do. 
 ....And Please forgive me if this E-mail seem to direct.  Just ask Big AL. Just trying to set the record straight. ;)



Dale Erwin R.P.T.
Erwin's Piano Restoration Inc.
 Mason & Hamlin/Steinway/U.S. pianos
www.Erwinspiano.com
Phone: 209-577-8397

 
  From: Terry Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Replacement Hammer Suggestions Baldwin Studio Upright


That's where my initial thinking was pointing me. Thanks.

Terry Farrell

On Jan 22, 2013, at 5:38 PM, Roger@Integra.net wrote:

> Terry,
> I believe Ronsen would be too soft. Abel is a better guess.
> Roger
> 
> 
    
                                                
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
                                                        Original Message


  • 10.  Replacement Hammer Suggestions Baldwin Studio Upright

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-23-2013 12:33 
    From Dale Erwin <erwinspiano@aol.com>

Hi Terry
   Its usually the people who have only ancient experience with Ronsen products who say the hammer is too soft. Boggles my mind. so...I wouldn't be too quick to drink that cool-aid.
   For example...If you install Wurzen AA felt the sound may be too strident as it is quite a firm felt. Needling will be required. Almost for sure no hardeners required. Same with the  VFG felt from Germany
   Ronsen Piano Hammer/Ray Negron  can make a hammer from felt for almost any density required and He or I can supply it.
   I'd be willing to send some samples to try? Just ask. 
  
  Every time the subject of Ronsen hammers comes up I am amazed(a bit frustrated) at the perpetual disinformation that is so prevalent, which ,  usually offered by someone who used the product 20 years ago when felt supplies were really crappy. It affected everyone's product.....yes, including Stwy and people still ordered and order their hammers.  
  So please permit me to enclose an attachment of what felts are available and the difference in the characteristics. I won't include price lists and such


The Ronsen product turned around when Ray started using the VFG felt in 1994. Thats 19 years ago folks and this is when I began to use them after really dismal experiences with All the other makes that seem to come first on our lips. Proof that marketing is very effective
 
Anyway...The VFG felt is an instant music hammer usually requiring no lacquer. Very present and pleasing sound. Plays in quickly. And since then He's added 3 other high, high quality felts. The Bacon felt which Steinway still uses, & The Wurzen AA and the "Weickert special felt" Both made by Wurzen felt company in Germany. Two very different blends of felt.
If any thing here is not clear please ask me to make it so.


 FWIW...I am always available for questions & consultation. Always! I can often send samples & we also provide action parts and pre-hung hammers. Its what I do. 
 ....And Please forgive me if this E-mail seem to direct.  Just ask Big AL. Just trying to set the record straight. ;)



Dale Erwin R.P.T.
Erwin's Piano Restoration Inc.
 Mason & Hamlin/Steinway/U.S. pianos
www.Erwinspiano.com
Phone: 209-577-8397

 
  From: Terry Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Replacement Hammer Suggestions Baldwin Studio Upright


That's where my initial thinking was pointing me. Thanks.

Terry Farrell

On Jan 22, 2013, at 5:38 PM, Roger@Integra.net wrote:

> Terry,
> I believe Ronsen would be too soft. Abel is a better guess.
> Roger
> 
> 
    
                                                
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
                                                        Original Message