CAUT

  • 1.  Hammer Recommendation for a Baldwin SD-1

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-16-2023 19:04

                To All, 

              I am doing a major action rebuild on a Baldwin 9 ft. SD-1 (mfc. 1937) at a small University I work for. The piano is located in an Auditorium where chapel services are held for the University. I guess it seats about 1,500 people. The piano was rebuilt about 30 years ago and the soundboard and bridges were replaced and action rebuilt. At that time Baldwin was still in business and I believe Baldwin hammers were used. Now that that that  is not an option I am looking for ideas on what might be a good match for this piano, and something that will fill the hall with sound. Any ideas would be appreciated. 

                       Sincerely, 

                       Russell Schmidt, RPT, Bluegrass Chapter



    ------------------------------
    H. Russell Schmidt RPT
    Lexington KY
    (859) 276-5015
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Hammer Recommendation for a Baldwin SD-1

    Posted 05-16-2023 19:16
    Take measurements and order custom Ronsen hammers with weickert felt direct from Ray.  You can even decide what range of overall weight is appropriate.  Simple.  

    Best,
    Dennis. 





  • 3.  RE: Hammer Recommendation for a Baldwin SD-1

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-16-2023 19:17

    Mr. Schmidt,
    I have gotten good results from using Brooks Ltd. Abel naturals on SD 10's.



    ------------------------------
    Karl Roeder
    Pompano Beach FL
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Hammer Recommendation for a Baldwin SD-1

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-16-2023 20:23
    I believe that Ronsen made custom hammers for Baldwin.  What is your tonal preference? I personally like Abel Naturals

    which are just bright of neutral but easily voiced down and long wearing.





  • 5.  RE: Hammer Recommendation for a Baldwin SD-1

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-16-2023 21:32

    Today I worked on a Baldwin SD10 (also a 9-footer) from 1972. The previous technician had replaced the original hammers with Renner Premium Bluepoints. I like the tone of that piano very much. It's a bit brighter than Abel or Robson hammers, but given that it's in a thousand-person auditorium, it works very well. It's clearly heard but not overpowering. I know from working on Renner hammers somewhat frequently that if I ever wanted to change the tone, it would be quite easy to do. 



    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
    Piano Technician / Artisan
    (256) 947-9999
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Hammer Recommendation for a Baldwin SD-1

    Posted 05-16-2023 23:03
    I've used Renner Blues on two of them, both later (SD-10's) and they did admirably. 

    I own a 1934 Baldwin F -- it was a fantastic time for Baldwin. 





  • 7.  RE: Hammer Recommendation for a Baldwin SD-1

    Posted 05-17-2023 21:02
    Ditch the Ronsen idea. Use Renner Blue Point special press. They will hold up better in a university setting. I just rebuilt an sd6 last year. 

    And you may want to pay special attention to all those leads in  the keys too. Usually too sluggish as is.

    -chris




    Original Message