Pianotech

I am working on a grand piano where the hammer felts are coming unglued from the wood core. The customer would like to know if there is any way to prevent the secure ones from coming apart. This is a new piano for them (but not a new instrument), so I have no knowledge of what its' past life may have been. The piano is currently in a good environment, so the failure is not from its current location. My only solution in the past has been to replace the full set of hammers. Any other ideas?

Thanks

------------------------------
Rex Roseman
Akron OH
330-289-2948
------------------------------

If you have a small compressor and a brad nailer, you can put a staple on the low shoulders, just like original hammers with staples. You could wick in some CA glue in the same area along the moulding/felt interface.
Good luck.
Paul McCloud
San DIego


Original Message------

I am working on a grand piano where the hammer felts are coming unglued from the wood core. The customer would like to know if there is any way to prevent the secure ones from coming apart. This is a new piano for them (but not a new instrument), so I have no knowledge of what its' past life may have been. The piano is currently in a good environment, so the failure is not from its current location. My only solution in the past has been to replace the full set of hammers. Any other ideas?

Thanks

------------------------------
Rex Roseman
Akron OH
330-289-2948
------------------------------

Here I would use Gorilla Superglue to make a reinforcing "plate" across the back side and front side of the low taper of the felt and the hammer moulding.
Aerosol accelerator would help. Run a bead of glue across the tails of several hammers, then spray to set the glue before it runs.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-15-2019 18:04
From: Rex Roseman
Subject: Hammer felts unglued

I am working on a grand piano where the hammer felts are coming unglued from the wood core. The customer would like to know if there is any way to prevent the secure ones from coming apart. This is a new piano for them (but not a new instrument), so I have no knowledge of what its' past life may have been. The piano is currently in a good environment, so the failure is not from its current location. My only solution in the past has been to replace the full set of hammers. Any other ideas?

Thanks

------------------------------
Rex Roseman
Akron OH
330-289-2948
------------------------------

Original Message------

Here I would use Gorilla Superglue to make a reinforcing "plate" across the back side and front side of the low taper of the felt and the hammer moulding.
Aerosol accelerator would help. Run a bead of glue across the tails of several hammers, then spray to set the glue before it runs.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413
------------------------------

In doing this I'm not trying to saturate the wool felt with the glue beyond the very tip, I'm trying to make a sort of flap or plate of glue that crosses over the end of the felt to the wood.
I've only done this on Baldwin and Kimball hammers which were pressed with high heat. These hammers don't seem to respond to changes in the low shoulder except when the shoulder comes loose.
Remember it's Gorilla Superglue, not Gorilla polyurethane glue.
Any medium viscosity CA glue should work similarly.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-16-2019 07:47
From: Rex Roseman
Subject: Hammer felts unglued

Ed and Paul 

This use of glue sounds very similar to lacquer voicing protocols. Do you think that reinforcing the hammer this way is going to dramatically change the tone of the piano? A change of tone may or may not be a good thing, I just want to let the customer know beforehand if it is expected. If it changes too much, we can always default to new hammers.

Thanks

Original Message------

Here I would use Gorilla Superglue to make a reinforcing "plate" across the back side and front side of the low taper of the felt and the hammer moulding.
Aerosol accelerator would help. Run a bead of glue across the tails of several hammers, then spray to set the glue before it runs.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413
------------------------------

Original Message------

In doing this I'm not trying to saturate the wool felt with the glue beyond the very tip, I'm trying to make a sort of flap or plate of glue that crosses over the end of the felt to the wood.
I've only done this on Baldwin and Kimball hammers which were pressed with high heat. These hammers don't seem to respond to changes in the low shoulder except when the shoulder comes loose.
Remember it's Gorilla Superglue, not Gorilla polyurethane glue.
Any medium viscosity CA glue should work similarly.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413
------------------------------

 A thin wire like a hammer return spring in 2 tiny holes through the loose felt and molding can be twisted to act like a staple with or w/o glue.

Original Message:
Sent: 07-16-2019 11:59
From: Rex Roseman
Subject: Hammer felts unglued

Ed

Thanks. I understand better. This is a Kimball so what you suggest should work. Any suggestions on the hammers that have already come apart? There are about 6 located at the bass most end of the treble section. I was thinking of trying to match and replace them from extras from other hammer hanging sets left from over the years.

Original Message------

In doing this I'm not trying to saturate the wool felt with the glue beyond the very tip, I'm trying to make a sort of flap or plate of glue that crosses over the end of the felt to the wood.
I've only done this on Baldwin and Kimball hammers which were pressed with high heat. These hammers don't seem to respond to changes in the low shoulder except when the shoulder comes loose.
Remember it's Gorilla Superglue, not Gorilla polyurethane glue.
Any medium viscosity CA glue should work similarly.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413
------------------------------

I have used medium viscosity superglue to delaminated hammer felt. I start with a bead of superglue on the wood moulding/mallet. I wrap a short thin plastic cable tie around the felt then cinch down. To respond to a special needs child who loves playing the piano, recently I opened up a Baldwin spinet in a Chapel by the beach open only between Memorial day and Labor day. All hammers were loose either on top or underneath. I was called to tune and improve tone. I could only adjust letoff to offset the loose hammers. The cost of my repair protocol using super glue and cable ties would have exceeded the cost of replacing all the hammers. I invoiced the church with recommendations to replace all hammers before next Memorial Day. Thank you all for this very valuable thread. Knowing where keys to the Chapel are kept allows me to slip back in and try some of your techniques and protocols I have not considered, especially the Gorilla Superglue beads and kicker across the tails.

Sent from my iPad


Original Message------

Ed and Paul 

This use of glue sounds very similar to lacquer voicing protocols. Do you think that reinforcing the hammer this way is going to dramatically change the tone of the piano? A change of tone may or may not be a good thing, I just want to let the customer know beforehand if it is expected. If it changes too much, we can always default to new hammers.

Thanks

How many are coming unglued and in what section(s)?  What kind of piano and what is the quality of the instrument?

Gluing hammer felt back is not that much of a problem if you have the proper clamping set up.  I would use Titebond Trim glue which sets up fairly quickly.  However, keep in mind that restoring the hammer's original tension will not be achieved by gluing back the hammer felt.  Usually something is lost and that can impact the tone somewhat.  If a lot of hammers are failing I would try and make an argument for replacing.  If the piano is poor you can simply glue them back.  If it's just a couple of hammers I would probably reglue and see what the tonal outcome was first.  If it's at the very top of the piano or the bottom it's less of a problem than in the midrange or killer octave (with respect to tone).  

Hammer felt letting go of the molding is a problem that can happen even with the best hammers.  Probably a starved glue joint problem.  Staples or pins will not hold the joint if the glue lets go and restapling them will be less effective in terms of trying to restore tension to the hammer head than gluing and clamping.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-15-2019 18:04
From: Rex Roseman
Subject: Hammer felts unglued

I am working on a grand piano where the hammer felts are coming unglued from the wood core. The customer would like to know if there is any way to prevent the secure ones from coming apart. This is a new piano for them (but not a new instrument), so I have no knowledge of what its' past life may have been. The piano is currently in a good environment, so the failure is not from its current location. My only solution in the past has been to replace the full set of hammers. Any other ideas?

Thanks

------------------------------
Rex Roseman
Akron OH
330-289-2948
------------------------------

I've had very good results regluing hammers with Coleman's superglue. www.Colemantools.com. Very versatile glue for many purposes. Just keep the De-bonder handy, lest you glue your fingers to the hammer felt. Don't ask!
Just apply to the moulding, squeeze the felt down, hit with kicker. Done. No waiting. I usually add a staple anyway, and also do the hammers that haven't come loose, just for insurance.
Paul McCloud
San Diego



David Love:
How many are coming unglued and in what section(s)? What kind of piano and what is the quality of the instrument?

Gluing hammer felt back is not that much of a problem if you have the proper clamping set up. I would use Titebond Trim glue which sets up fairly quickly. However, keep in mind that restoring the hammer's original tension will not be achieved by gluing back the hammer felt. Usually something is lost and that can impact the tone somewhat. If a lot of hammers are failing I would try and make an argument for replacing. If the piano is poor you can simply glue them back. If it's just a couple of hammers I would probably reglue and see what the tonal outcome was first. If it's at the very top of the piano or the bottom it's less of a problem than in the midrange or killer octave (with respect to tone).

Hammer felt letting go of the molding is a problem that can happen even with the best hammers. Probably a starved glue joint problem. Staples or pins will not hold the joint if the glue lets go and restapling them will be less effective in terms of trying to restore tension to the hammer head than gluing and clamping.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320



Original Message------

How many are coming unglued and in what section(s)?  What kind of piano and what is the quality of the instrument?

Gluing hammer felt back is not that much of a problem if you have the proper clamping set up.  I would use Titebond Trim glue which sets up fairly quickly.  However, keep in mind that restoring the hammer's original tension will not be achieved by gluing back the hammer felt.  Usually something is lost and that can impact the tone somewhat.  If a lot of hammers are failing I would try and make an argument for replacing.  If the piano is poor you can simply glue them back.  If it's just a couple of hammers I would probably reglue and see what the tonal outcome was first.  If it's at the very top of the piano or the bottom it's less of a problem than in the midrange or killer octave (with respect to tone).  

Hammer felt letting go of the molding is a problem that can happen even with the best hammers.  Probably a starved glue joint problem.  Staples or pins will not hold the joint if the glue lets go and restapling them will be less effective in terms of trying to restore tension to the hammer head than gluing and clamping.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

My method is nearly identical to Paul's.  Not worth getting too ramped up over this. Just git-er-done.

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-16-2019 14:55
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Hammer felts unglued

I've had very good results regluing hammers with Coleman's superglue. www.Colemantools.com. Very versatile glue for many purposes. Just keep the De-bonder handy, lest you glue your fingers to the hammer felt. Don't ask!
Just apply to the moulding, squeeze the felt down, hit with kicker. Done. No waiting. I usually add a staple anyway, and also do the hammers that haven't come loose, just for insurance.
Paul McCloud
San Diego



David Love:
How many are coming unglued and in what section(s)? What kind of piano and what is the quality of the instrument?

Gluing hammer felt back is not that much of a problem if you have the proper clamping set up. I would use Titebond Trim glue which sets up fairly quickly. However, keep in mind that restoring the hammer's original tension will not be achieved by gluing back the hammer felt. Usually something is lost and that can impact the tone somewhat. If a lot of hammers are failing I would try and make an argument for replacing. If the piano is poor you can simply glue them back. If it's just a couple of hammers I would probably reglue and see what the tonal outcome was first. If it's at the very top of the piano or the bottom it's less of a problem than in the midrange or killer octave (with respect to tone).

Hammer felt letting go of the molding is a problem that can happen even with the best hammers. Probably a starved glue joint problem. Staples or pins will not hold the joint if the glue lets go and restapling them will be less effective in terms of trying to restore tension to the hammer head than gluing and clamping.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320



Original Message------

How many are coming unglued and in what section(s)?  What kind of piano and what is the quality of the instrument?

Gluing hammer felt back is not that much of a problem if you have the proper clamping set up.  I would use Titebond Trim glue which sets up fairly quickly.  However, keep in mind that restoring the hammer's original tension will not be achieved by gluing back the hammer felt.  Usually something is lost and that can impact the tone somewhat.  If a lot of hammers are failing I would try and make an argument for replacing.  If the piano is poor you can simply glue them back.  If it's just a couple of hammers I would probably reglue and see what the tonal outcome was first.  If it's at the very top of the piano or the bottom it's less of a problem than in the midrange or killer octave (with respect to tone).

Hammer felt letting go of the molding is a problem that can happen even with the best hammers.  Probably a starved glue joint problem.  Staples or pins will not hold the joint if the glue lets go and restapling them will be less effective in terms of trying to restore tension to the hammer head than gluing and clamping.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

The degree of force needed to get the felt back, or at least close to its original shape will vary.
Sometimes large spring clamps are just right, and will work with Titebond if left to set overnight.
You can cut a caul from a scrap of wood and press the felt in place in a bench vise.
I've had it happen that when I released the clamp, the other side popped loose.
In my experience, these repairs are suitable for low demand pianos where the hammers weren't that good to begin with.
Follow up by doing whatever is possible to even out the tone.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-16-2019 15:13
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Hammer felts unglued

My method is nearly identical to Paul's.  Not worth getting too ramped up over this. Just git-er-done.

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 07-16-2019 14:55
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Hammer felts unglued

I've had very good results regluing hammers with Coleman's superglue. www.Colemantools.com. Very versatile glue for many purposes. Just keep the De-bonder handy, lest you glue your fingers to the hammer felt. Don't ask!
Just apply to the moulding, squeeze the felt down, hit with kicker. Done. No waiting. I usually add a staple anyway, and also do the hammers that haven't come loose, just for insurance.
Paul McCloud
San Diego



David Love:
How many are coming unglued and in what section(s)? What kind of piano and what is the quality of the instrument?

Gluing hammer felt back is not that much of a problem if you have the proper clamping set up. I would use Titebond Trim glue which sets up fairly quickly. However, keep in mind that restoring the hammer's original tension will not be achieved by gluing back the hammer felt. Usually something is lost and that can impact the tone somewhat. If a lot of hammers are failing I would try and make an argument for replacing. If the piano is poor you can simply glue them back. If it's just a couple of hammers I would probably reglue and see what the tonal outcome was first. If it's at the very top of the piano or the bottom it's less of a problem than in the midrange or killer octave (with respect to tone).

Hammer felt letting go of the molding is a problem that can happen even with the best hammers. Probably a starved glue joint problem. Staples or pins will not hold the joint if the glue lets go and restapling them will be less effective in terms of trying to restore tension to the hammer head than gluing and clamping.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320



Original Message------

How many are coming unglued and in what section(s)?  What kind of piano and what is the quality of the instrument?

Gluing hammer felt back is not that much of a problem if you have the proper clamping set up.  I would use Titebond Trim glue which sets up fairly quickly.  However, keep in mind that restoring the hammer's original tension will not be achieved by gluing back the hammer felt.  Usually something is lost and that can impact the tone somewhat.  If a lot of hammers are failing I would try and make an argument for replacing.  If the piano is poor you can simply glue them back.  If it's just a couple of hammers I would probably reglue and see what the tonal outcome was first.  If it's at the very top of the piano or the bottom it's less of a problem than in the midrange or killer octave (with respect to tone).

Hammer felt letting go of the molding is a problem that can happen even with the best hammers.  Probably a starved glue joint problem.  Staples or pins will not hold the joint if the glue lets go and restapling them will be less effective in terms of trying to restore tension to the hammer head than gluing and clamping.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

My experience is that one can achieve piano tone and certain dynamic response by gluing the loose hammer felt back to the molding, but it will certainly fall short of the range from the factory pressing.

Ed’s idea of a caul is great because you can get near to the force of a hammer press with a bench vise and strong clamps. After a visit to Ronsen, I was inspired and made a few hammers this way.

Joe Wiencek


Original Message------

The degree of force needed to get the felt back, or at least close to its original shape will vary.
Sometimes large spring clamps are just right, and will work with Titebond if left to set overnight.
You can cut a caul from a scrap of wood and press the felt in place in a bench vise.
I've had it happen that when I released the clamp, the other side popped loose.
In my experience, these repairs are suitable for low demand pianos where the hammers weren't that good to begin with.
Follow up by doing whatever is possible to even out the tone.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413
------------------------------

I use a rubber toughened CA adhesive called IC-2000 from Bob Smith Industries. It is fairly thick so fills gaps very well. It is EXTREMELY STRONG bordering on epoxy strength. The down side is that it is black. 

I just tuned a piano today in which I had to reglue about 70% of the hammer felts a year ago. The black squeezeout is not pretty but it is holding fast and furious. Use of the acceletator makes it reasonably quick (not fun...just quick)

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-16-2019 15:13
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Hammer felts unglued

My method is nearly identical to Paul's.  Not worth getting too ramped up over this. Just git-er-done.

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 07-16-2019 14:55
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Hammer felts unglued

I've had very good results regluing hammers with Coleman's superglue. www.Colemantools.com. Very versatile glue for many purposes. Just keep the De-bonder handy, lest you glue your fingers to the hammer felt. Don't ask!
Just apply to the moulding, squeeze the felt down, hit with kicker. Done. No waiting. I usually add a staple anyway, and also do the hammers that haven't come loose, just for insurance.
Paul McCloud
San Diego



David Love:
How many are coming unglued and in what section(s)? What kind of piano and what is the quality of the instrument?

Gluing hammer felt back is not that much of a problem if you have the proper clamping set up. I would use Titebond Trim glue which sets up fairly quickly. However, keep in mind that restoring the hammer's original tension will not be achieved by gluing back the hammer felt. Usually something is lost and that can impact the tone somewhat. If a lot of hammers are failing I would try and make an argument for replacing. If the piano is poor you can simply glue them back. If it's just a couple of hammers I would probably reglue and see what the tonal outcome was first. If it's at the very top of the piano or the bottom it's less of a problem than in the midrange or killer octave (with respect to tone).

Hammer felt letting go of the molding is a problem that can happen even with the best hammers. Probably a starved glue joint problem. Staples or pins will not hold the joint if the glue lets go and restapling them will be less effective in terms of trying to restore tension to the hammer head than gluing and clamping.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320



Original Message------

How many are coming unglued and in what section(s)?  What kind of piano and what is the quality of the instrument?

Gluing hammer felt back is not that much of a problem if you have the proper clamping set up.  I would use Titebond Trim glue which sets up fairly quickly.  However, keep in mind that restoring the hammer's original tension will not be achieved by gluing back the hammer felt.  Usually something is lost and that can impact the tone somewhat.  If a lot of hammers are failing I would try and make an argument for replacing.  If the piano is poor you can simply glue them back.  If it's just a couple of hammers I would probably reglue and see what the tonal outcome was first.  If it's at the very top of the piano or the bottom it's less of a problem than in the midrange or killer octave (with respect to tone).

Hammer felt letting go of the molding is a problem that can happen even with the best hammers.  Probably a starved glue joint problem.  Staples or pins will not hold the joint if the glue lets go and restapling them will be less effective in terms of trying to restore tension to the hammer head than gluing and clamping.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

I've glued many a hammer felt back onto its moulding. I use a procedure much like what Paul M. described. I apply thick CA to the felt or moulding (whichever is more convenient) and apply some kicker to the other surface (spray it if you can, if not, spray some on a pipe cleaner and wipe that into the glue surface). Clamp with fingers for a few seconds until cured. I do this on Baldwin spinets, Aeolians and the like. Tone (such as it is.....) is restored consistent with hammers that have not failed. If it is a nice piano, I would recommend hammer replacement. If it is somewhere in between, your and/or customer's call.

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-16-2019 14:55
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Hammer felts unglued

I've had very good results regluing hammers with Coleman's superglue. www.Colemantools.com. Very versatile glue for many purposes. Just keep the De-bonder handy, lest you glue your fingers to the hammer felt. Don't ask!
Just apply to the moulding, squeeze the felt down, hit with kicker. Done. No waiting. I usually add a staple anyway, and also do the hammers that haven't come loose, just for insurance.
Paul McCloud
San Diego



David Love:
How many are coming unglued and in what section(s)? What kind of piano and what is the quality of the instrument?

Gluing hammer felt back is not that much of a problem if you have the proper clamping set up. I would use Titebond Trim glue which sets up fairly quickly. However, keep in mind that restoring the hammer's original tension will not be achieved by gluing back the hammer felt. Usually something is lost and that can impact the tone somewhat. If a lot of hammers are failing I would try and make an argument for replacing. If the piano is poor you can simply glue them back. If it's just a couple of hammers I would probably reglue and see what the tonal outcome was first. If it's at the very top of the piano or the bottom it's less of a problem than in the midrange or killer octave (with respect to tone).

Hammer felt letting go of the molding is a problem that can happen even with the best hammers. Probably a starved glue joint problem. Staples or pins will not hold the joint if the glue lets go and restapling them will be less effective in terms of trying to restore tension to the hammer head than gluing and clamping.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320



Original Message------

How many are coming unglued and in what section(s)?  What kind of piano and what is the quality of the instrument?

Gluing hammer felt back is not that much of a problem if you have the proper clamping set up.  I would use Titebond Trim glue which sets up fairly quickly.  However, keep in mind that restoring the hammer's original tension will not be achieved by gluing back the hammer felt.  Usually something is lost and that can impact the tone somewhat.  If a lot of hammers are failing I would try and make an argument for replacing.  If the piano is poor you can simply glue them back.  If it's just a couple of hammers I would probably reglue and see what the tonal outcome was first.  If it's at the very top of the piano or the bottom it's less of a problem than in the midrange or killer octave (with respect to tone).

Hammer felt letting go of the molding is a problem that can happen even with the best hammers.  Probably a starved glue joint problem.  Staples or pins will not hold the joint if the glue lets go and restapling them will be less effective in terms of trying to restore tension to the hammer head than gluing and clamping.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

Thank you and everyone else. All hammer felts on this chapel’s Baldwin Spinet were delaminated from their moldings either on the top or underneath. The Chapel is in my regional coverage as a field technician, and several hours drive from home. The day I serviced the piano the outside temps and humidity exceeded 90. The Chapel is several hundred years old, no restrooms, no air conditioning. I had to take breaks every 10 minutes to go outside and catch my breath just to tune alone. Normally out in the field I do the CA gel, but hesitate with kicker. Instead I wrap a short thin cable tie to lock the glued felt back on to the hammer. I can confidently ensure it is centered this way before leaving it to dry and lock in until the next visit when I cut the ties. When I have 88 hammers to make this repair in the piano, for what I charge per hammer, I told the church staff it would be less costly for me to take the action out and return it with a new set of hammers, with a little time to fit them to the strings and voice down.

Sent from my iPad


Original Message------

I've glued many a hammer felt back onto its moulding. I use a procedure much like what Paul M. described. I apply thick CA to the felt or moulding (whichever is more convenient) and apply some kicker to the other surface (spray it if you can, if not, spray some on a pipe cleaner and wipe that into the glue surface). Clamp with fingers for a few seconds until cured. I do this on Baldwin spinets, Aeolians and the like. Tone (such as it is.....) is restored consistent with hammers that have not failed. If it is a nice piano, I would recommend hammer replacement. If it is somewhere in between, your and/or customer's call.

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Original Message------

I've glued many a hammer felt back onto its moulding. I use a procedure much like what Paul M. described. I apply thick CA to the felt or moulding (whichever is more convenient) and apply some kicker to the other surface (spray it if you can, if not, spray some on a pipe cleaner and wipe that into the glue surface). Clamp with fingers for a few seconds until cured. I do this on Baldwin spinets, Aeolians and the like. Tone (such as it is.....) is restored consistent with hammers that have not failed. If it is a nice piano, I would recommend hammer replacement. If it is somewhere in between, your and/or customer's call.

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------