Pianotech

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Mr. Burros,

Much will depend on what kind of sound you're after. Mr. Love's advice is good if you want a more powerful sound. With that technique you'll want to use the same technique as you would on a NY Steinway hammer. I put a set of Ronsen Bacon felt on a 1930 Knabe to get a softer tone and used no hardeners. I just lightly filed and fitted them to the strings and used traditional shoulder voicing ( ala Brooks/Negron) to even them out and got a really nice result. Two years in they have brightened up a little but in a good way.

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Needing to make a lot of change means the wrong hammer for the piano in my opinion. With the right hammer, its like almost there already and chemicals are used to make small adjustments of balancing the registers, coloring the attack, fixing missing fortissimos and decay drop offs. Just coming over the top to the core seems rather bullish. Why fix a fortissimo problem by going through the attack and decay? I tip the action on its side and isolate the fortissimo first. Then i go back and listen to the attack and decay again.

I use sandarac for fortissimo, and a very diluted shellac for attack and a too open sustain, and needles on the shoulders for decay drop offs, only rarely a problem on Ronsens. BTW, diluted shellac has a sweet sound characteristic of all the other "hardeners i've tried.

chris

Mr. Burros,

Much will depend on what kind of sound you're after. Mr. Love's advice is good if you want a more powerful sound. With that technique you'll want to use the same technique as you would on a NY Steinway hammer. I put a set of Ronsen Bacon felt on a 1930 Knabe to get a softer tone and used no hardeners. I just lightly filed and fitted them to the strings and used traditional shoulder voicing ( ala Brooks/Negron) to even them out and got a really nice result. Two years in they have brightened up a little but in a good way.

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Needing to make a lot of change means the wrong hammer for the piano in my opinion. With the right hammer, its like almost there already and chemicals are used to make small adjustments of balancing the registers, coloring the attack, fixing missing fortissimos and decay drop offs. Just coming over the top to the core seems rather bullish. Why fix a fortissimo problem by going through the attack and decay? I tip the action on its side and isolate the fortissimo first. Then i go back and listen to the attack and decay again.

I use sandarac for fortissimo, and a very diluted shellac for attack and a too open sustain, and needles on the shoulders for decay drop offs, only rarely a problem on Ronsens. BTW, diluted shellac has a sweet sound characteristic of all the other "hardeners i've tried.

chris

Mr. Burros,

Much will depend on what kind of sound you're after. Mr. Love's advice is good if you want a more powerful sound. With that technique you'll want to use the same technique as you would on a NY Steinway hammer. I put a set of Ronsen Bacon felt on a 1930 Knabe to get a softer tone and used no hardeners. I just lightly filed and fitted them to the strings and used traditional shoulder voicing ( ala Brooks/Negron) to even them out and got a really nice result. Two years in they have brightened up a little but in a good way.

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Chris,  it would be good, though it appears to be a challenge, if you could make your comments without editorializing on what you think is "bullish" on my part.  I know that's difficult for you whatever you meant by it but knock it off. I'm happy to expand on my own procedure if you're interested in it, which I doubt, though it's something I've written about before. 

Everyone,  keep in mind here that he's asking for how to prepare sample hammers not the final set. A bacon felt Ronson hammer needs hardening 95% of the time.  In order to determine what the hammer potential is in a sample, it's necessary to prep it in such a way that it will mimic what is likely to be required in the piano. The product that I use is quite soft setting. A 25-30% solution is really not that strong with that particular product. Of course, if you're using a very inflexible substance like sanding sealer, that would be very strong and I wouldn't recommend it. In fact I don't recommend using that product at all because if it's lack of flexibility.

If you're unsure as to how bacon felt responds to stiffening, then you might consider carrying two samples of that hammer; one prepared, one unprepared. If it turns out that hardening the hammer will be appropriate, it allows you then to do that before you install the set back into the piano. That obviates the need for hardening on site, waiting for it to dry before you can really voice the  piano, not to mention introducing toxic fumes to the customer's home where sometimes that can be something unwanted.  

Needing to make a lot of change means the wrong hammer for the piano in my opinion. With the right hammer, its like almost there already and chemicals are used to make small adjustments of balancing the registers, coloring the attack, fixing missing fortissimos and decay drop offs. Just coming over the top to the core seems rather bullish. Why fix a fortissimo problem by going through the attack and decay? I tip the action on its side and isolate the fortissimo first. Then i go back and listen to the attack and decay again.

I use sandarac for fortissimo, and a very diluted shellac for attack and a too open sustain, and needles on the shoulders for decay drop offs, only rarely a problem on Ronsens. BTW, diluted shellac has a sweet sound characteristic of all the other "hardeners i've tried.

chris

Mr. Burros,

Much will depend on what kind of sound you're after. Mr. Love's advice is good if you want a more powerful sound. With that technique you'll want to use the same technique as you would on a NY Steinway hammer. I put a set of Ronsen Bacon felt on a 1930 Knabe to get a softer tone and used no hardeners. I just lightly filed and fitted them to the strings and used traditional shoulder voicing ( ala Brooks/Negron) to even them out and got a really nice result. Two years in they have brightened up a little but in a good way.

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Chris,  it would be good, though it appears to be a challenge, if you could make your comments without editorializing on what you think is "bullish" on my part.  I know that's difficult for you whatever you meant by it but knock it off. I'm happy to expand on my own procedure if you're interested in it, which I doubt, though it's something I've written about before. 

Everyone,  keep in mind here that he's asking for how to prepare sample hammers not the final set. A bacon felt Ronson hammer needs hardening 95% of the time.  In order to determine what the hammer potential is in a sample, it's necessary to prep it in such a way that it will mimic what is likely to be required in the piano. The product that I use is quite soft setting. A 25-30% solution is really not that strong with that particular product. Of course, if you're using a very inflexible substance like sanding sealer, that would be very strong and I wouldn't recommend it. In fact I don't recommend using that product at all because if it's lack of flexibility.

If you're unsure as to how bacon felt responds to stiffening, then you might consider carrying two samples of that hammer; one prepared, one unprepared. If it turns out that hardening the hammer will be appropriate, it allows you then to do that before you install the set back into the piano. That obviates the need for hardening on site, waiting for it to dry before you can really voice the  piano, not to mention introducing toxic fumes to the customer's home where sometimes that can be something unwanted.  

Needing to make a lot of change means the wrong hammer for the piano in my opinion. With the right hammer, its like almost there already and chemicals are used to make small adjustments of balancing the registers, coloring the attack, fixing missing fortissimos and decay drop offs. Just coming over the top to the core seems rather bullish. Why fix a fortissimo problem by going through the attack and decay? I tip the action on its side and isolate the fortissimo first. Then i go back and listen to the attack and decay again.

I use sandarac for fortissimo, and a very diluted shellac for attack and a too open sustain, and needles on the shoulders for decay drop offs, only rarely a problem on Ronsens. BTW, diluted shellac has a sweet sound characteristic of all the other "hardeners i've tried.

chris

Mr. Burros,

Much will depend on what kind of sound you're after. Mr. Love's advice is good if you want a more powerful sound. With that technique you'll want to use the same technique as you would on a NY Steinway hammer. I put a set of Ronsen Bacon felt on a 1930 Knabe to get a softer tone and used no hardeners. I just lightly filed and fitted them to the strings and used traditional shoulder voicing ( ala Brooks/Negron) to even them out and got a really nice result. Two years in they have brightened up a little but in a good way.

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Hi David, Thanks for your suggestions. I do have notes from a 2008 discussion thread, where you discuss how you lacquer the Bacon hammers. Here is what you wrote,

 "I'm using one 9:1 solution through the set, maybe two applications above C6 and that is plenty to bring out the tone quality tone.  That's with MacLac High Solids G-23 clear gloss lacquer (solids content do vary between lacquers). 10 grams of lacquer to 90 grams of acetone in this case."

You wrote these comments a long time ago. If you are so inclined to expand on your current procedure that would be extremely helpful in getting the best tone and performance out of these hammers. Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 12:00
From: David Love
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Chris,  it would be good, though it appears to be a challenge, if you could make your comments without editorializing on what you think is "bullish" on my part.  I know that's difficult for you whatever you meant by it but knock it off. I'm happy to expand on my own procedure if you're interested in it, which I doubt, though it's something I've written about before. 

Everyone,  keep in mind here that he's asking for how to prepare sample hammers not the final set. A bacon felt Ronson hammer needs hardening 95% of the time.  In order to determine what the hammer potential is in a sample, it's necessary to prep it in such a way that it will mimic what is likely to be required in the piano. The product that I use is quite soft setting. A 25-30% solution is really not that strong with that particular product. Of course, if you're using a very inflexible substance like sanding sealer, that would be very strong and I wouldn't recommend it. In fact I don't recommend using that product at all because if it's lack of flexibility.

If you're unsure as to how bacon felt responds to stiffening, then you might consider carrying two samples of that hammer; one prepared, one unprepared. If it turns out that hardening the hammer will be appropriate, it allows you then to do that before you install the set back into the piano. That obviates the need for hardening on site, waiting for it to dry before you can really voice the  piano, not to mention introducing toxic fumes to the customer's home where sometimes that can be something unwanted.  

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 10:33
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Needing to make a lot of change means the wrong hammer for the piano in my opinion. With the right hammer, its like almost there already and chemicals are used to make small adjustments of balancing the registers, coloring the attack, fixing missing fortissimos and decay drop offs. Just coming over the top to the core seems rather bullish. Why fix a fortissimo problem by going through the attack and decay? I tip the action on its side and isolate the fortissimo first. Then i go back and listen to the attack and decay again.

I use sandarac for fortissimo, and a very diluted shellac for attack and a too open sustain, and needles on the shoulders for decay drop offs, only rarely a problem on Ronsens. BTW, diluted shellac has a sweet sound characteristic of all the other "hardeners i've tried.

chris

------------------------------
Inertia Touch Wave(ITW) The most advanced silky smooth actions. That ACTUALLY USES REAL INERTIA MEASUREMENTS. Instead of incorrect empirical charts.

Engineered Hygroscopic Soundboards. The strongest and lightest boards made today for unmatched acoustic projection, richness and warmth.

865-986-7720 (text only please)

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 09:00
From: Karl Roeder
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Mr. Burros,

Much will depend on what kind of sound you're after. Mr. Love's advice is good if you want a more powerful sound. With that technique you'll want to use the same technique as you would on a NY Steinway hammer. I put a set of Ronsen Bacon felt on a 1930 Knabe to get a softer tone and used no hardeners. I just lightly filed and fitted them to the strings and used traditional shoulder voicing ( ala Brooks/Negron) to even them out and got a really nice result. Two years in they have brightened up a little but in a good way.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-15-2025 11:43
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Chris,  it would be good, though it appears to be a challenge, if you could make your comments without editorializing on what you think is "bullish" on my part.  I know that's difficult for you whatever you meant by it but knock it off. I'm happy to expand on my own procedure if you're interested in it, which I doubt, though it's something I've written about before. 

Everyone,  keep in mind here that he's asking for how to prepare sample hammers not the final set. A bacon felt Ronson hammer needs hardening 95% of the time.  In order to determine what the hammer potential is in a sample, it's necessary to prep it in such a way that it will mimic what is likely to be required in the piano. The product that I use is quite soft setting. A 25-30% solution is really not that strong with that particular product. Of course, if you're using a very inflexible substance like sanding sealer, that would be very strong and I wouldn't recommend it. In fact I don't recommend using that product at all because if it's lack of flexibility.

If you're unsure as to how bacon felt responds to stiffening, then you might consider carrying two samples of that hammer; one prepared, one unprepared. If it turns out that hardening the hammer will be appropriate, it allows you then to do that before you install the set back into the piano. That obviates the need for hardening on site, waiting for it to dry before you can really voice the  piano, not to mention introducing toxic fumes to the customer's home where sometimes that can be something unwanted.  

Needing to make a lot of change means the wrong hammer for the piano in my opinion. With the right hammer, its like almost there already and chemicals are used to make small adjustments of balancing the registers, coloring the attack, fixing missing fortissimos and decay drop offs. Just coming over the top to the core seems rather bullish. Why fix a fortissimo problem by going through the attack and decay? I tip the action on its side and isolate the fortissimo first. Then i go back and listen to the attack and decay again.

I use sandarac for fortissimo, and a very diluted shellac for attack and a too open sustain, and needles on the shoulders for decay drop offs, only rarely a problem on Ronsens. BTW, diluted shellac has a sweet sound characteristic of all the other "hardeners i've tried.

chris

Mr. Burros,

Much will depend on what kind of sound you're after. Mr. Love's advice is good if you want a more powerful sound. With that technique you'll want to use the same technique as you would on a NY Steinway hammer. I put a set of Ronsen Bacon felt on a 1930 Knabe to get a softer tone and used no hardeners. I just lightly filed and fitted them to the strings and used traditional shoulder voicing ( ala Brooks/Negron) to even them out and got a really nice result. Two years in they have brightened up a little but in a good way.

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Matt, what are your reasons for treating the Bacon felt hammers the same way as the Weichert felt hammers? It seems to me that the felt is quite different and would call for its own voicing protocol.

I have attached the Ray Negron and Dale Erwin Weickert felt voicing instructions to this post, for you to look over. I have also attached a nice explanation by Dale Erwin of the different types of hammers that Ronsen Hammer Company sells.

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Matt, what are your reasons for treating the Bacon felt hammers the same way as the Weichert felt hammers? It seems to me that the felt is quite different and would call for its own voicing protocol.

I have attached the Ray Negron and Dale Erwin Weickert felt voicing instructions to this post, for you to look over. I have also attached a nice explanation by Dale Erwin of the different types of hammers that Ronsen Hammer Company sells.

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

I just installed these on my current rebuild. I plan to voice up, but unfortunately, Schaff informed me when I called yesterday that they have discontinued Hammerlac. 

Are their other types of lacquer anyone could recommend? I've had some trouble sourcing Wurdack water white, can it be purchased directly from Steinway?

Matt, what are your reasons for treating the Bacon felt hammers the same way as the Weichert felt hammers? It seems to me that the felt is quite different and would call for its own voicing protocol.

I have attached the Ray Negron and Dale Erwin Weickert felt voicing instructions to this post, for you to look over. I have also attached a nice explanation by Dale Erwin of the different types of hammers that Ronsen Hammer Company sells.

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

B-72 is the way to go! 

I just installed these on my current rebuild. I plan to voice up, but unfortunately, Schaff informed me when I called yesterday that they have discontinued Hammerlac. 

Are their other types of lacquer anyone could recommend? I've had some trouble sourcing Wurdack water white, can it be purchased directly from Steinway?

Matt, what are your reasons for treating the Bacon felt hammers the same way as the Weichert felt hammers? It seems to me that the felt is quite different and would call for its own voicing protocol.

I have attached the Ray Negron and Dale Erwin Weickert felt voicing instructions to this post, for you to look over. I have also attached a nice explanation by Dale Erwin of the different types of hammers that Ronsen Hammer Company sells.

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

There are good reasons for using the natural tree resins. Shellac and Sandarac are both alcohol soluble, meaning you have more control if too much is applied. Petroleum based B-72 is very difficult to walk back. I have seen techs turn hammers into gummy rocks with B-72, so as an industry standard, you can't count on others using it correctly. And be able to fix their screw up. You have good options with natural tree resins. Shellac is interesting because after all the testing i did, shellac gave the sweetest tone. B-72 has a muddy plastic character which BTW, can also be seen in the jar. Sandarac which I introduced peoples attention to a couple of years ago, is the hardest of the tree resins that dissolve in alcohol. Because of its hardness, very little goes a long way, meaning that the hammer practically stays virgin. I use it primarily at the core as Peter said. But for the first time yesterday, i had a piano that notes 88 and 87 just would not sound with any volume even when the strike point was verified correct. Shellac almost got it there, but not quite. Sandarac brought the tone out to my satisfaction. In this circumstance B-72 just would have gummed up the hammer and most likely not reach the brightness level i needed. As an experiment of extremes (which i have done) soak a spare hammer with as much B-72 as you can. Then cut the hammer. You'll see the gummy character i'm talking about for yourself.

-chris

B-72 is the way to go! 

I just installed these on my current rebuild. I plan to voice up, but unfortunately, Schaff informed me when I called yesterday that they have discontinued Hammerlac. 

Are their other types of lacquer anyone could recommend? I've had some trouble sourcing Wurdack water white, can it be purchased directly from Steinway?

Matt, what are your reasons for treating the Bacon felt hammers the same way as the Weichert felt hammers? It seems to me that the felt is quite different and would call for its own voicing protocol.

I have attached the Ray Negron and Dale Erwin Weickert felt voicing instructions to this post, for you to look over. I have also attached a nice explanation by Dale Erwin of the different types of hammers that Ronsen Hammer Company sells.

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

I just installed these on my current rebuild. I plan to voice up, but unfortunately, Schaff informed me when I called yesterday that they have discontinued Hammerlac. 

Are their other types of lacquer anyone could recommend? I've had some trouble sourcing Wurdack water white, can it be purchased directly from Steinway?

Matt, what are your reasons for treating the Bacon felt hammers the same way as the Weichert felt hammers? It seems to me that the felt is quite different and would call for its own voicing protocol.

I have attached the Ray Negron and Dale Erwin Weickert felt voicing instructions to this post, for you to look over. I have also attached a nice explanation by Dale Erwin of the different types of hammers that Ronsen Hammer Company sells.

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Use waterwhite shellac and/or sandarac

------------------------------
Parker Leigh RPT
Winchester VA
(540) 722-3865

Original Message:
Sent: 08-17-2025 00:04
From: Tim Foster
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I just installed these on my current rebuild. I plan to voice up, but unfortunately, Schaff informed me when I called yesterday that they have discontinued Hammerlac. 

Are their other types of lacquer anyone could recommend? I've had some trouble sourcing Wurdack water white, can it be purchased directly from Steinway?

------------------------------
Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 19:10
From: Matteo Crudo
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Original Message:
Sent: 8/16/2025 5:54:00 PM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: RE: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Matt, what are your reasons for treating the Bacon felt hammers the same way as the Weichert felt hammers? It seems to me that the felt is quite different and would call for its own voicing protocol.

I have attached the Ray Negron and Dale Erwin Weickert felt voicing instructions to this post, for you to look over. I have also attached a nice explanation by Dale Erwin of the different types of hammers that Ronsen Hammer Company sells.

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 17:33
From: Matteo Crudo
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Original Message:
Sent: 8/15/2025 11:43:00 AM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

I will second that. Both should be quite thin for max penetration. The sandarac is used (by some of us) just at the top of the moulding on both sides, preferably with action on end.

The shellac is used from the top down through the strike to reinforce just below the strike. Other techniques are also likely used under various circumstances. 

Edit: Be careful with the sandarac as it can turn a softie into something pretty powerful pretty quickly. DAMHIK!  You can always apply more if needed, but its not so easy to remove it. 😉 

YMMV

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

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

Original Message:
Sent: 01-27-2026 10:03
From: Parker Leigh
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Use waterwhite shellac and/or sandarac

------------------------------
Parker Leigh RPT
Winchester VA
(540) 722-3865

Original Message:
Sent: 08-17-2025 00:04
From: Tim Foster
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I just installed these on my current rebuild. I plan to voice up, but unfortunately, Schaff informed me when I called yesterday that they have discontinued Hammerlac. 

Are their other types of lacquer anyone could recommend? I've had some trouble sourcing Wurdack water white, can it be purchased directly from Steinway?

------------------------------
Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 19:10
From: Matteo Crudo
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Original Message:
Sent: 8/16/2025 5:54:00 PM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: RE: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Matt, what are your reasons for treating the Bacon felt hammers the same way as the Weichert felt hammers? It seems to me that the felt is quite different and would call for its own voicing protocol.

I have attached the Ray Negron and Dale Erwin Weickert felt voicing instructions to this post, for you to look over. I have also attached a nice explanation by Dale Erwin of the different types of hammers that Ronsen Hammer Company sells.

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 17:33
From: Matteo Crudo
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Original Message:
Sent: 8/15/2025 11:43:00 AM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Where do you guys order the Sanderac, Waterwhite, Hammerlac and other types of Shellac from? I just checked Schaff and they don't have any of these items. 

Thanks!

I will second that. Both should be quite thin for max penetration. The sandarac is used (by some of us) just at the top of the moulding on both sides, preferably with action on end.

The shellac is used from the top down through the strike to reinforce just below the strike. Other techniques are also likely used under various circumstances. 

Edit: Be careful with the sandarac as it can turn a softie into something pretty powerful pretty quickly. DAMHIK!  You can always apply more if needed, but its not so easy to remove it. 😉 

YMMV

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

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

Original Message:
Sent: 01-27-2026 10:03
From: Parker Leigh
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Use waterwhite shellac and/or sandarac

------------------------------
Parker Leigh RPT
Winchester VA
(540) 722-3865

Original Message:
Sent: 08-17-2025 00:04
From: Tim Foster
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I just installed these on my current rebuild. I plan to voice up, but unfortunately, Schaff informed me when I called yesterday that they have discontinued Hammerlac. 

Are their other types of lacquer anyone could recommend? I've had some trouble sourcing Wurdack water white, can it be purchased directly from Steinway?

------------------------------
Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 19:10
From: Matteo Crudo
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Original Message:
Sent: 8/16/2025 5:54:00 PM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: RE: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Matt, what are your reasons for treating the Bacon felt hammers the same way as the Weichert felt hammers? It seems to me that the felt is quite different and would call for its own voicing protocol.

I have attached the Ray Negron and Dale Erwin Weickert felt voicing instructions to this post, for you to look over. I have also attached a nice explanation by Dale Erwin of the different types of hammers that Ronsen Hammer Company sells.

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 17:33
From: Matteo Crudo
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Original Message:
Sent: 8/15/2025 11:43:00 AM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Where do you guys order the Sanderac, Waterwhite, Hammerlac and other types of Shellac from? I just checked Schaff and they don't have any of these items. 

Thanks!

I will second that. Both should be quite thin for max penetration. The sandarac is used (by some of us) just at the top of the moulding on both sides, preferably with action on end.

The shellac is used from the top down through the strike to reinforce just below the strike. Other techniques are also likely used under various circumstances. 

Edit: Be careful with the sandarac as it can turn a softie into something pretty powerful pretty quickly. DAMHIK!  You can always apply more if needed, but its not so easy to remove it. 😉 

YMMV

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

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

Original Message:
Sent: 01-27-2026 10:03
From: Parker Leigh
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Use waterwhite shellac and/or sandarac

------------------------------
Parker Leigh RPT
Winchester VA
(540) 722-3865

Original Message:
Sent: 08-17-2025 00:04
From: Tim Foster
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I just installed these on my current rebuild. I plan to voice up, but unfortunately, Schaff informed me when I called yesterday that they have discontinued Hammerlac. 

Are their other types of lacquer anyone could recommend? I've had some trouble sourcing Wurdack water white, can it be purchased directly from Steinway?

------------------------------
Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 19:10
From: Matteo Crudo
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Original Message:
Sent: 8/16/2025 5:54:00 PM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: RE: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Matt, what are your reasons for treating the Bacon felt hammers the same way as the Weichert felt hammers? It seems to me that the felt is quite different and would call for its own voicing protocol.

I have attached the Ray Negron and Dale Erwin Weickert felt voicing instructions to this post, for you to look over. I have also attached a nice explanation by Dale Erwin of the different types of hammers that Ronsen Hammer Company sells.

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 17:33
From: Matteo Crudo
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Original Message:
Sent: 8/15/2025 11:43:00 AM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Waterwhite lacquer from Mohawk,  Shellac flakes from Highland Hardware,  Sandarac from Talas

Where do you guys order the Sanderac, Waterwhite, Hammerlac and other types of Shellac from? I just checked Schaff and they don't have any of these items. 

Thanks!

I will second that. Both should be quite thin for max penetration. The sandarac is used (by some of us) just at the top of the moulding on both sides, preferably with action on end.

The shellac is used from the top down through the strike to reinforce just below the strike. Other techniques are also likely used under various circumstances. 

Edit: Be careful with the sandarac as it can turn a softie into something pretty powerful pretty quickly. DAMHIK!  You can always apply more if needed, but its not so easy to remove it. 😉 

YMMV

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

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

Original Message:
Sent: 01-27-2026 10:03
From: Parker Leigh
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Use waterwhite shellac and/or sandarac

------------------------------
Parker Leigh RPT
Winchester VA
(540) 722-3865

Original Message:
Sent: 08-17-2025 00:04
From: Tim Foster
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I just installed these on my current rebuild. I plan to voice up, but unfortunately, Schaff informed me when I called yesterday that they have discontinued Hammerlac. 

Are their other types of lacquer anyone could recommend? I've had some trouble sourcing Wurdack water white, can it be purchased directly from Steinway?

------------------------------
Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 19:10
From: Matteo Crudo
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Original Message:
Sent: 8/16/2025 5:54:00 PM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: RE: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Matt, what are your reasons for treating the Bacon felt hammers the same way as the Weichert felt hammers? It seems to me that the felt is quite different and would call for its own voicing protocol.

I have attached the Ray Negron and Dale Erwin Weickert felt voicing instructions to this post, for you to look over. I have also attached a nice explanation by Dale Erwin of the different types of hammers that Ronsen Hammer Company sells.

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 17:33
From: Matteo Crudo
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Original Message:
Sent: 8/15/2025 11:43:00 AM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Waterwhite lacquer from Mohawk,  Shellac flakes from Highland Hardware,  Sandarac from Talas

Where do you guys order the Sanderac, Waterwhite, Hammerlac and other types of Shellac from? I just checked Schaff and they don't have any of these items. 

Thanks!

I will second that. Both should be quite thin for max penetration. The sandarac is used (by some of us) just at the top of the moulding on both sides, preferably with action on end.

The shellac is used from the top down through the strike to reinforce just below the strike. Other techniques are also likely used under various circumstances. 

Edit: Be careful with the sandarac as it can turn a softie into something pretty powerful pretty quickly. DAMHIK!  You can always apply more if needed, but its not so easy to remove it. 😉 

YMMV

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

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

Original Message:
Sent: 01-27-2026 10:03
From: Parker Leigh
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Use waterwhite shellac and/or sandarac

------------------------------
Parker Leigh RPT
Winchester VA
(540) 722-3865

Original Message:
Sent: 08-17-2025 00:04
From: Tim Foster
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I just installed these on my current rebuild. I plan to voice up, but unfortunately, Schaff informed me when I called yesterday that they have discontinued Hammerlac. 

Are their other types of lacquer anyone could recommend? I've had some trouble sourcing Wurdack water white, can it be purchased directly from Steinway?

------------------------------
Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 19:10
From: Matteo Crudo
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Original Message:
Sent: 8/16/2025 5:54:00 PM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: RE: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Matt, what are your reasons for treating the Bacon felt hammers the same way as the Weichert felt hammers? It seems to me that the felt is quite different and would call for its own voicing protocol.

I have attached the Ray Negron and Dale Erwin Weickert felt voicing instructions to this post, for you to look over. I have also attached a nice explanation by Dale Erwin of the different types of hammers that Ronsen Hammer Company sells.

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 17:33
From: Matteo Crudo
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Original Message:
Sent: 8/15/2025 11:43:00 AM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

Waterwhite lacquer from Mohawk,  Shellac flakes from Highland Hardware,  Sandarac from Talas

Where do you guys order the Sanderac, Waterwhite, Hammerlac and other types of Shellac from? I just checked Schaff and they don't have any of these items. 

Thanks!

I will second that. Both should be quite thin for max penetration. The sandarac is used (by some of us) just at the top of the moulding on both sides, preferably with action on end.

The shellac is used from the top down through the strike to reinforce just below the strike. Other techniques are also likely used under various circumstances. 

Edit: Be careful with the sandarac as it can turn a softie into something pretty powerful pretty quickly. DAMHIK!  You can always apply more if needed, but its not so easy to remove it. 😉 

YMMV

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

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

Original Message:
Sent: 01-27-2026 10:03
From: Parker Leigh
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Use waterwhite shellac and/or sandarac

------------------------------
Parker Leigh RPT
Winchester VA
(540) 722-3865

Original Message:
Sent: 08-17-2025 00:04
From: Tim Foster
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I just installed these on my current rebuild. I plan to voice up, but unfortunately, Schaff informed me when I called yesterday that they have discontinued Hammerlac. 

Are their other types of lacquer anyone could recommend? I've had some trouble sourcing Wurdack water white, can it be purchased directly from Steinway?

------------------------------
Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 19:10
From: Matteo Crudo
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Original Message:
Sent: 8/16/2025 5:54:00 PM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: RE: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Matt, what are your reasons for treating the Bacon felt hammers the same way as the Weichert felt hammers? It seems to me that the felt is quite different and would call for its own voicing protocol.

I have attached the Ray Negron and Dale Erwin Weickert felt voicing instructions to this post, for you to look over. I have also attached a nice explanation by Dale Erwin of the different types of hammers that Ronsen Hammer Company sells.

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2025 17:33
From: Matteo Crudo
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

Original Message:
Sent: 8/15/2025 11:43:00 AM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: What are your techniques to prepare and voice Ronsen Bacon Felt Hammers?

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------

I just installed these on my current rebuild. I plan to voice up, but unfortunately, Schaff informed me when I called yesterday that they have discontinued Hammerlac. 

Are their other types of lacquer anyone could recommend? I've had some trouble sourcing Wurdack water white, can it be purchased directly from Steinway?

Matt, what are your reasons for treating the Bacon felt hammers the same way as the Weichert felt hammers? It seems to me that the felt is quite different and would call for its own voicing protocol.

I have attached the Ray Negron and Dale Erwin Weickert felt voicing instructions to this post, for you to look over. I have also attached a nice explanation by Dale Erwin of the different types of hammers that Ronsen Hammer Company sells.

I am currently trying out samples of the Ronsen Bacon felt and Ronsen Weickert felt hammers on a Steinway O piano. For the Weickert felt hammers I do have prepping and voicing instructions from Wally Brooks, as well as the Dale Erwin/Ray Negron voicing protocols PDF from 2011.

But for the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers I have don't have any voicing notes or instructions, and my searches on PTG Pianotech and Journal articles have not provided much information about voicing these hammers.

If you have experience preparing and voicing the Ronsen Bacon felt hammers, I would be grateful if you can share it on this thread. 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Joe Burros
Cell: 646-410-7174
jbcello@gmail.com
www.fmi-newengland.com
------------------------------