Pianotech

  • 1.  Ice Cream Hammers

    Posted 10-04-2022 23:35
    After driving 32 miles to tune a Baldwin Hamilton, I discovered a slight issue with the hammers. Below is a photo. The owner expected me to tune the piano which was gifted to her, so I gave it my due diligence. Fortunately, the piano was close to pitch and actually tuned up nicely. But have to say, it sounds more like a Fender Rhodes than an acoustic piano. As to what chewed up the hammers? My uneducated guess is moths.
    Moth damage


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    Randy Prentice RPT
    Tucson AZ
    (520) 749-3788
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  • 2.  RE: Ice Cream Hammers

    Member
    Posted 10-04-2022 23:47
    Other possible causes :

        Someone watched a You Tube Video on hammer shaping with a Dremel Tool

        Someone wanted a lighter action

        Mice or rat damage although there would be visible droppings - I had a Petrof studio that mice had moved into and shredded the hammers something like this

        Its amazing how people "gift" pianos to others in this condition

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    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    (843) 325-4357
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  • 3.  RE: Ice Cream Hammers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-05-2022 09:45
    What's the big deal? I don't see anything wrong with them!   😉 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Ice Cream Hammers

    Posted 10-05-2022 10:25
    It is a shame. Other than the hammers and hammer rest rail, the piano appeared to be in first rate condition - for its age. The dampers were unaffected. The ID markings inside indicate the piano originated from a local community college. When, where and how this damage occurred is a mystery.

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    Randy Prentice RPT
    Tucson AZ
    (520) 749-3788
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Ice Cream Hammers

    Member
    Posted 10-05-2022 10:55
    Maybe it was a "prepared piano" ala John Cage.....

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    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    (843) 325-4357
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Ice Cream Hammers

    Posted 10-05-2022 11:22
    hello Randy,
    it looks like a larger rodent, possibly a rat or squirrel got in there, although they would most likely have gnawed on the wood as well but maybe they had a felt fetish?
    the reason for not finding any droppings may just be that someone cleaned the mess.
    Anyway, this looks like a Salvador Dalí inspired piece of work to me.
    Peter

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    Petrus Janssen
    Peachtree City GA
    (678) 416-8055
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  • 7.  RE: Ice Cream Hammers

    Posted 10-05-2022 15:21
    I think those are the new Build Back Better hammers.

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    John Formsma
    New Albany MS

    "Sneak up on optimal."
    --Ron Nossaman
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  • 8.  RE: Ice Cream Hammers

    Posted 10-05-2022 15:39
    Chuck Norris Was Here !

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
    mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
    http://www.pianocapecod.com
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Ice Cream Hammers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-05-2022 22:16
    Some hot fudge. A little whipped cream and a cherry. Yum! 🍨

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    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
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