Schiedmayer grand piano restoration info

If they haven't made it clear enough to you already, just know one thing: NEVER and then NEVER have the hammer rail changed (if we really want to change it immediately, let's have them give us back the old one as pianoexpert always advises!!). Also, as advice, I would have three quotes put in writing and compare them with an expert. Bye and congratulations on the piano, a real gem :)

Thank you for your trust. It seems to me that you have had bad experiences with "hammer voicing/replacement" (I don't remember if we have already talked about it..). However, if the "rules" are followed, one should not encounter errors.

Of course, at the outset, there must be no error in judgment when choosing the new hammers. The voicing must be done based on a sample!!! AND YOU MUST DEMAND THE RETURN OF THE OLD ONE. I am writing this out loud on purpose (but I see that you also hold the same healthy opinion). Only in this way can the difference from the original be evaluated in case of dissatisfaction. The new voicing must sound BETTER, not worse, and if the voicing is done based on a sample, the identity of the piano is not lost. It is important to know how to "tune" it and eventually treat/impregnate it (see Steinway, which changes its sound totally with a new original voicing, but untreated!!!!!). Obviously, the gluing, the inclinations, and the alignment of the hammer stroke are fundamental. The weight and shape of the new hammers are fundamental.

Eh yes, unfortunately I was young and inexperienced during the first restoration 7 years ago and now with a new Martelliera the sound is there but unfortunately (since last year) almost all my down and return weights are wrong; it would take an afternoon to check everything

...I'm updating you to say that I found an exceptional technician; he inspected the piano and, after telling me he had never found a Schiedmayer in such perfect and original condition despite being from 1937—it is a 190cm grand piano with six legs—he shaved just the necessary amount of the hammer rail (it was incredible to find it was pure virgin wool... it felt like those of old-fashioned pillows), he regulated the entire action without replacing anything..., he applied some graphite to slightly oil the hammers, and tuned the piano (it was half a tone flat). The piano still has its original ankles, which are narrower than those used today. All the work was carried out at my home; in a few days another check will be done, so in the meantime I can play it and test it.

I also thank Pianoexpert very much for the advice he kindly offered me.

I forgot to tell you that I purchased the piano three days ago and I am as happy as a child. It has an incredible sound... just like a Schiedmayer!

Regarding the hammer, I have discovered that the important thing is that it be as faithful a likeness as possible, if not otherwise impossible to make identical, to the one originally mounted; whether it is of one brand or another or homemade matters little. The important thing is to give the piano back its voice just as it was intended and constructed.