Author's Subject: Old Hammers: From Honky Tonk to Wet Noodle You Control It

In answer to the hammer softening question:

Yes the best way is to replace hammers, but there is another short term
possibility.  I have used this for years, now.  It is mainly for pianos
that need to sell low so more expensive work is not warranted.

In a squeeze bottle, preferably clear, make marks to divide the volume
into 8 equal parts.  Fill to the first bottom line with  (marked on
bottle:) "Regular Concentration" Downy Fabric Softener.  Then fill to
the top with Methanol or Denatured Alcohol.  That gives you 1 part
softener to 7 parts Alcohol.

If the tone is very bright you may have to do 2 or 3 treatments.  Use
the squeeze bottle to coat all the hammers from shoulder to shoulder.
There is not a problem getting it on the crown of the hammer.  Give them
plenty, but know you can use too much and make those honky tonk hammers
sound like wet noodles.  Let the piano dry overnight when done.  If
hammers are still bright after the first round do it again.

I never thought this was possible until I proved it to myself.

If the hammers have been hardened by the modern plastic keytop melted
into Acetone or by Lacquer this technique will not work so well.

I have been told how to get the plastic out of the hammers by soaking
them overnight in Acetone and slinging out the liquid.  Then you use
the compressor to blow out remaining liquid and plastic hardener.

This might work for Lacquer using Lacquer Thinner as well.

D.L. Bullock     Piano World     St. Louis