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