I have not been keeping a real close eye on the hammer shank
discussion.  I do remember that many of the better grands in the
treble section have tapered shanks sometimes made of a different
wood such as cedar.   You can conclude what you want.

Don Teach, Shreveport Music Co
1610 E. Bert Kouns, Shreveport,  LA  71105
dat-smc@juno.com