Hammers
*WNG hammers are available* Please call 916-719-4323
Hammer Types
There are two basic types of hammers in the market today.
Lacquer UpSome companies, most notably New York Steinway, use very soft felt in their hammers. When voiced, these hammers are too soft until a hardener, typically lacquer, is applied to achieve tone. This is referred as a "lacquer up" hammer.
Needle DownMost European companies use a dense felt to make the hammer. When voiced these hammers are hard, and must be needled to soften the hammer to achieve tone. Hammers of this type are referred to as "needle down" hammers.
Wessell, Nickel & Gross hammers are "needle down" hammers.
Drilling
Hammers need to be drilled. Wessell, Nickel & Gross can accommodate any diameter, bore length and angle required.
Diameter:
- Appropriate for composite shanks
- Any other size you might require
Bore Length:
- Standard distance from samples for bass and treble
- Factory specs (if available)
- Custom bore to take into account changing string heights
Angles:
- From samples (angles are inferred)
- From technician supplied angle specifications
- To factory specs (if available)
Length & Cove
After drilling, hammers need to be cut to length so they interface with backchecks properly. Wessell, Nickel & Gross can cut to length in the following ways:
- From samples
- To 1" or 25.4mm as required by WNG Back Check System
- To technician supplied spec
After the hammers are cut to length, typically they are also coved so as to reduce mass. WNG can cove in the following ways:
- Standard Cove
- Maximum for weight
Machine Backcheck Seat
Many rebuilders machine a squaring arc on the back of the hammer to create a seat for checking. The Wessell, Nickel & Gross backcheck system provides high-quality tools for this job. WNG can also machine the checking seat on the hammer tail as part of the tail prep, if you prefer.
Taper
Hammers need to be tapered both for clearance and mass. A full top-to-bottom taper is an industry best practice. WNG offers a full top-to-bottom taper as a hammer machining option.
Labor, Complete Hammer
Part Number: 07-1002
Labor, Hammer Boring, Squaring, Tailing, and Tapering
Part Number: 07-1001