Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > May 2005 > 2005.05.09 > 05Prev  Next


Ampico Hammer Re-fit
By Eric Shoemaker

Just a quick salute and thumbs up concerning D.L. Bullock's posting
comments about grand hammer replacement.  But I wish to add one other
thing: the backcheck is a critical component of any grand piano's
performance.  "Aftertouch," the way the key feels after the hammer has
started to rebound from the string, is all too often overlooked.

Bruce's piano is a circa 1918, and he mentions it may have been updated
at the factory (presumably within ten years or so).  Therefore, this
piano must have been well-loved and well-used, a very "high mileage"
piano no doubt.  After 87 years I suspect the buckskin is fairly worn
and breaking down.  It will probably deteriorate exponentially if not
replaced.  Also, the cushioning felt underneath is likely compressed
unevenly across the compass of the keys.

To reuse the backchecks after having spent much time and tons of money
would be unwise in my opinion.  Besides, time spent in trying to make
hammers seat satisfactorily on unevenly worn parts is better spent on
installing new ones that will not only last longer but naturally have a
consistency/uniformity factor that one could never get in trying to
extend the life of the originals.

Good luck.  I know the anxious feeling of wanting to "PLAY IT NOW"; but
thoroughness and patience will insure peak performance after the medicos
quit trying to rebuild us.

Eric J. Shoemaker
Tacoma, WA


(Message sent Mon 9 May 2005, 02:03:26 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Ampico, Hammer, Re-fit

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page