Pianotech

  • 1.  hammer iron: kills sustain?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-30-2023 13:21

    I recently hung some new Abel hammers from Pianotek on an old vertical. I figured it would still have a soft sound, but the new hammers made it softer and woofier.
    I've told the owner to play on them for a while.

    However, as an experiment, I did try ironing one hammer to see if that would brighten up the tone a little. I've done it occasionally with no ill effects, but in this case, it killed the sustain, so I'm worried about doing it on any other pianos. (I was able to restore the tone, though.)

    Has anyone had this happen? Is it specific to certain brands/types of hammers?

    thanks!



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    Scott Cole, RPT
    rvpianotuner.com
    Talent, OR
    (541-601-9033
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  • 2.  RE: hammer iron: kills sustain?

    Posted 05-30-2023 14:14
    I have experience of Abel hammers on a grand used for concerts.

    At first they are soft. I let them be played in and the sound became near what I wanted. However, they come higher at the edges than the middle. Perhaps sanding them level initially would remove the "OUCH they're soft" first impression. https://youtu.be/AHAZjcPmtrs?t=1565 and https://youtu.be/AHAZjcPmtrs?t=715 demonstrate the soft and power after some years of being played in whilst https://youtu.be/2h_VXV0vSmA?t=2183 was this season after levelling. The resulting instrument might not be to others' liking but for me it's a perfection.

    Best wishes

    David P
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    David Pinnegar, B.Sc., A.R.C.S.
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    +44 1342 850594



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  • 3.  RE: hammer iron: kills sustain?

    Member
    Posted 05-31-2023 10:57
    I believe it was Roger Jolly who pointed out that when the hammers are cut apart, the release of tension on the sides is what causes the cupping. He recommended to use a single needle and run a stitch along the center line to release the tension in the center. The hammer face levels out and then minimal shaping with some paper makes them look nice. 
    They sound better immediately. 



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: hammer iron: kills sustain?

    Member
    Posted 05-31-2023 11:19
    Oh and I should say, I just put a set of Dale Erwins Americana made by Abel on a Yamaha G3. The G3 is a slightly stingy piano with the volume. 
    First impression, the piano was difficult to play FFF. Dale said they might need a little juice but I left them alone. That was last summer. 
    I tuned it last week and OBoy! The JD Grandt bass wires and the Mapes restring I'm sure had something to do with the beauty of sound but the power was like a Fazioli. The harder you play, the tonal envelope expands. It is not just an increase in volume. 
    I think the sound is better when you let the tips voice in naturally. So does Dale, but he needs to send out a finished product that he doesn't have to follow up. 


    On Wed, May 31, 2023 at 7:56 AM Keith Roberts <keithspiano@gmail.com> wrote:
    I believe it was Roger Jolly who pointed out that when the hammers are cut apart, the release of tension on the sides is what causes the cupping. He recommended to use a single needle and run a stitch along the center line to release the tension in the center. The hammer face levels out and then minimal shaping with some paper makes them look nice. 
    They sound better immediately. 



    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: hammer iron: kills sustain?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-02-2023 10:45

    My experience is that Pianotek Abels are significantly softer than Brooks Abels. Mine required some hardener. Or maybe I should have been more patient.



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    John Pope
    University of Kentucky School of Music
    Lexington, KY
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