Pianotech

  • 1.  1970s hammers "ungluing" what would you do?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-01-2025 04:37

    HI all, 

    I just looked at a 1979 Aeolian "Sting" player that while it has always been inside, did spend most of it's life near the coast. While it is in generally good shape, there are about 8 hammers in the mid-treble area that have come unglued from the tops of their moldings. Would you consider regluing them and treating the other hammers with "super glue" to prevent their later loosening up, and advise the owner that the fix may or may not fail sometime in the future; or would you just 'bite the bullet" and replace all the hammers? (which of course will be far more costly!). I did the regluing thing a about 5 years ago on a similar player, and it's held up so far, but this piano is in better condition--and with far fewer "unglues."

    Thanks!

    David Dewey



  • 2.  RE: 1970s hammers "ungluing" what would you do?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-01-2025 07:22
    Hi David

    I had this happen a lot when I lived in Hawaii. If the customer is willing to spend the money, replace the hammers. But I've had great success gluing them with CA glue. One thing to remember is that when you add the CA glue the tone of the piano will get much brighter. You should be aware of this because you might have to spend a little extra time voicing down some of the hammers. 

    Also, when you do add the CA glue, do it outside. That pungent smell is hard on the nose. 

    Wim



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  • 3.  RE: 1970s hammers "ungluing" what would you do?

    Posted 03-01-2025 16:25

    David, CA glue sounds good. Another option for the eight hammers is to use regular white glue and make a pigtail staple for each hammer. (Like with 1 mm galvanized wire and drill a couple small holes per hammer.) Holds like iron. Regards, Norman.



    ------------------------------
    Norman Brickman
    Potomac Piano Service
    Potomac, Maryland
    potomacpiano@verizon.net
    https://potomacpiano.com
    (301) 983.9321
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: 1970s hammers "ungluing" what would you do?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-02-2025 14:24
    I agree with the other replies. Personally I have had success with the thickest (aka "gel") CA glue, and accelerator, and just clamping by hand until it sets. The usual cautions about not gluing yourself to the workplace apply...

    Another quick option is to use zip ties to clamp them. This opens up other glue options, and may even work fine without any glue at all. 

    Disclaimer, this is not appropriate for high quality pianos, hammer felt is supposed to be glued on with a precise amount of tension, blah blah. But you probably get that already.



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