Hi,

Yesterday myself and a friend visit a 2nd piano dealer that they only import and sell gray market pianos. We spend alot of time there looking at the pianos available on the floor. One unit have a damage hammerhead just above the middle C note. We ask the dealer if they will replace it. The dealer agree to replace it on the damage one only.
Well, is it the proper way and can you just only change 1 hammerhead? Wouldn't the piano sound different when it comes to that particular note. As I know that the thickness of the felt is different from one another. And, I do believe that there is different pound. Furthermore, the piano is no young anymore won't the pressure of the other hammers become weaker.?

Hi Jay: Replacing only one hammer IS an accepted method of repair. If all the other hammers are in good shape, replacing one is satisfactory. Yes, there may be a difference between the one new hammer and the rest of them, but if the technician did his job correctly, he will have voiced the new hammer up or down if needed to match the tone character of the original hammer. Replacing one will not put any strain on the remaining ones, as they all work independently. Hope this helps. PNO2NER

Thank you PNO2NER,

What if the piano is almost like 30+ years (according to my search in Yamaha website based on the serial number), isn't not better to replace a set of hammerheads. The dealer claim that even if this piano is at that age, the hammerheads are in good condition therefore he do not recommend to replace all but one (Normally, piano hammerheads are not replace until if is eaten by rats, etc.) . I think he want to save some money not to replace a new set, as I understand, replacement is expensive.

Hello Again, Jay: Your dealer is correct on all items. Hammers are expensive to replace, and even if the piano is 30 years old, unless the other hammers show wear, there would be no real reason to replace them. If the problem with the single hammer is physical damage, should you be asking the dealer to replace them all? It might be an unreasonable request. Compare it to a damaged tire on a car: If you hit something in the road which destroyed that tire, would you replace the other three even though they were still OK? Similar to a light bulb that burned out in the kitchen. Would it make sense to replace all the others in the house if they were still working? I'm sorry not to be more supportive, but in this case, I think the dealer has a point. PNO2NER.

Thanks PNO2NER,

Do not worry whether if you are supportive or not, I just need a definite clearification. Certain dealer/technician in my country merely trying to earn the commission/make the sales rather than telling us the truth sometimes.