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The patient is a Conover Grand.
Downweight in the bass is approximately 42 grams. When I cross over to the tenor section there is an immediate drop in down weight to 36 grams. Friction is around 10 grams in both sections. There are 4 leads in the bass and only three in the tenor. Any thoughts as to why there would be a sudden drop from one section to the next?

The first tenor grand hammer is usually shorter than the last overstrung hammer. This means it is quite a bit lighter than it's southern neighbors.

The hammers have probably been reshaped once or twice and this reduces weight enough to drop the static touch weight some. Plus this action may have been weighed off to a very low level.


If the hammers have to little felt above the moulding to allow for the gradient of density that produces a tone color change with dynamics-they are worn out.

Actions that need 3-4, 0.5" front leads do not play well in my considerable experience with this issue.

How are you measuring?

Ed, the shanks appear to be the same length. The hammers are definitely worn and will be replaced. Considering the low down weight, I think it would be possible to remove a lead.

BDB, using calibrated brass weights at the front of the key. Bump once, watch key rise to the point where the jack toe touches the let off button.

Did you press the damper pedal as you measure?

Action is on my bench.

And when the hammer set is replaced the key set will require new weighting.

Replacing the hammer set is the shortest distance between the two points.

Also shaping of hammers would not remove 6 or 7 grams of weight.
Felt fibers of that age would be very light.