Upright Hammer Replacement
The hammers on an upright piano are extremely durable, but they do deteriorate over time and eventually need to be replaced.
Worn hammers can cause the tone of a piano to become harsh and unpleasant, making it difficult to control the keys for expressive playing.
Over the years, the steel of the treble strings and the copper windings of the bass strings gradually wear into the felt, breaking its fibers and creating a pulpy or dead outer layer.
As this layer increases, the piano’s tone is altered, and eventually, the hammers no longer produce a clean strike but instead hit the strings with a flattened and grooved surface, leading to an overly harsh sound.
When hammer heads are manufactured, thick, stiff felt is stretched tightly around a wooden core, or molding.
The striking surface is smooth, round, and somewhat egg-shaped.
The felt’s tension provides bounce to the hammers, allowing them to interact optimally with the strings, producing vibration and tone.
Installing new hammers is a significant improvement that adds value to the instrument, as it restores the piano’s full tonal richness and clarity.
Credit: Chuck Behm (text and images)
Schedule your service
We would be happy to arrange a convenient time to perform this essential repair. Contact us to ensure the proper functioning and long-term preservation of your piano.
Need an estimate before committing?
Take advantage of an online consultation via Zoom Piano Consultation to receive an initial estimate. The cost of this consultation will be credited toward any future restoration performed by us or our affiliated technicians.