The piano hammer felt plays a critical role in producing the instrument’s tone. Over time, constant use and natural wear can lead to hammer felt deterioration, resulting in diminished sound quality. When the felt becomes too worn or compressed, replacing it becomes necessary to restore the piano’s optimal performance. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of replacing worn piano hammer felt.
Before you begin, it’s essential to note that piano hammer replacement is a delicate and intricate task best performed by a qualified piano technician. If you are not experienced in piano repair, it’s strongly recommended to seek professional assistance.
Materials Needed:
- New hammer felt (make sure it matches the original specifications)
- Hammer head alignment tool
- Voicing needles
- Hammer head cement
- Hammer butt glue
- Felt cleaner or vacuum
- Clean, lint-free cloths
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Preparing the Piano:
- Place the piano on a stable surface and open the top lid to expose the piano action.
- Remove the piano action (the assembly of keys, hammers, and other components) from the piano. This may involve removing a few screws or bolts, depending on your piano model.
- Removing the Worn Hammer Felt:
- Carefully detach the worn hammer felt from the hammer head using a felt cleaner, vacuum, or soft brush to remove any debris or dust.
- Inspect the hammer head for any damages or irregularities. If needed, use the hammer head alignment tool to correct the hammer alignment.
- Cutting the New Felt:
- Use the old felt as a template to cut the new hammer felt to the appropriate size and shape. Ensure that the new felt matches the original specifications.
- Gluing the New Felt:
- Apply hammer butt glue to the hammer shank and gently press the new felt onto the hammer head. Ensure proper alignment and positioning of the felt.
- Voicing the Hammers:
- Once the glue is dry, use voicing needles to shape and sculpt the new felt to achieve the desired tone and response. This process requires skill and precision to ensure uniformity among all hammers.
- Reassembling the Piano Action:
- Carefully place the piano action back into the piano, securing it with screws or bolts as necessary.
- Test each key to ensure that the hammers are striking the strings correctly and producing the desired sound.
- Fine-Tuning:
- Play the piano and make any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired tone, volume, and responsiveness.
- Final Inspection:
- Inspect the entire action for any irregularities or issues before closing the piano lid.
Conclusion: Replacing worn piano hammer felt is a complex task that requires precision and expertise. DIY attempts by inexperienced individuals can result in further damage to the piano. To ensure a successful replacement and to maintain the piano’s optimal performance, it is highly recommended to seek the services of a qualified piano technician. A professional technician will have the necessary skills and tools to replace the hammer felt correctly, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful sound of your piano once again.
