I’ve developed good concert prep kind of skills; regulation, voicing, finding and fixing noise, working under time pressure etc. What I am NOT is a rebuilder. I’ve voiced new hammers from scratch alot, but I really haven’t had much experience installing new hammers. However, considering how many people do it, how hard can it be?
So, about 3 years ago I decided to replace the original overvoiced stock Yamaha CFIII hammers with a new set. First decision, replace with what? Since I wisely figured that my first hanging job would not be my best, I bought a set from Wally Brooks…the make of which I really can’t remember (deep red underfelt). I know that is herasy to hammer buffs (what??!!! I suppose you don’t remember your MOM’s name either!!). I had Wally drill them and I hung on the original shanks.
Well, let’s just say my hammer hanging was pretty dismal. They sound pretty good, but the job is cosmetically challenged. I’ve done a couple sets since then and my skills have gotten much much better, but that first set was an experience. Not as easy as it looks. I took one of Richard Davenports classes some time ago and he made it clear that to do a professional hammer hanging job takes alot of time, equipment and skill.