This is the first time I post on this particular forum but I think this is the place to be for this question. I have a Baldwin L which I purchaced new in 1978. It's a great piano and I have tried to keep it in excellent condition with regular tunigs etc..

My current hammers are a little worn (my tech. tells me that they should last several more years) but I am thinking having Ronsen Wurzen hammers installed. I was quoted a price of $1500 for the hammers plus installation. Is that in the ballgame? I trust my tech. but I think it is wise to verify.

You can see the prices on the Ronsen website. That should give you an idea.

Thanks BDB, I did look there and they are around $450. The rest would be installation. Of course I am not sure what else he would need to replace but he has said that everything looks good so I don't think he will have to replace much else.

I think new hammers require a regulation afterward because they are invariably different slightly in weight or dimensions than the old ones. So that might be in there too.

Sometimes it's wise to replace the backchecks when the hammers are replaced, especially if there is excessive wear.

Seems a bit low actually. New hammers are usually best hung on new shanks (which sport new knuckles). The backchecks may or may not be worn. Regulation, complete with some weigh-off will be necessary. A good, thorough job will be more in most cases. How are the key bushings, as well?

The price was $1500 PLUS INSTALLATION. I'd find out what installation costs. BTW, good choice in hammers.

Bob, I believe if you read down a bit further in the thread you will see that Catchtwo2, clarified that it was $450 for the hammers and the rest of the $1500 was for installation.

Thank you everyone for your comments. I don't think I was very clear on the cost. The total job would be $1500 which would include the cost of hammers and installation. Sorry about that. My tech. is very good and knows my piano very well so I think he has priced in everything I would need for a good install. After reading some of the posts I think this looks like a good price.

I am excited about getting Ronsen hammers and from everything I have read they are among the best and I think they are American made which I like also.

Thanks everyone.

Voicing these hammers is the most demanding ordeal. $1500 is definitely a fair all inclusive price if you like the final outcome. Good luck!

Catchtwo2, you might want to also consider the Isaac Cadenza "S" hammers... www.isaacpiano.com I have them on my Mason & Hamlin 7ft BB Grand, and they are fantastic. I don't know about the Ronsen hammer, but I do know that the Isaac hammers are top notch. If you do a search with my nick, you will find lot's of recordings I made with these new hammers.

Several techs on here, as well as some people here, after hearing my recordings, have started using the Isaac hammers...and from what they have told me, they are very pleased. The tone the hammers produce is what they seem to like. I feel the same way. Mine needed NO voicing upon arrival, and still do not need any voicing. They have sounded better and better the more they have been played, which is usually the opposite.

Thank you grandpianoman, I will take your suggestion and look into Isaac hammers. I will post to inform how everyting goes. Thanks again to everyone who gave me advice.

The new Abel Encore natural felt hammers are also very nice. Easy to voice. I have them on my Mason A.

You should go with the hammers your installer wants to use.

Pretty darn good advise. I have a rebuilt Steinway D with NY Steinway hammers. I had my doubts, but my rebuilder said that's what he likes to use and he knows how to prep them. Awesome result.

Just a bit of information . . .
As the USA distributor for Isaac Cadenza S hammers and also for his bass strings, I can save you the Canadian shipping costs and also we can hang the hammers on shanks (new or existing) for you. If we do new shanks and flanges I recommend the WN&G carbon composite action parts.

--Keith

Keith Akins, RPT