Too soft sound with new hammers. Is it normal?

[jlmap]

Hello!
I replaced the hammers of my piano. It is an upright Bechstein no.8, made in 1922. I replaced the old hammers for new ones, Renner. But I got a bit disapointed with the results. The sound is a bit too soft. Is it normal? Will it become more brilhant with some time? If so, how much time (I play about 1:30 h a day).

Thanks a lot.

[mikebechstein]

The same thing happened to me when I got my Model 9 overhauled and again (a bit less) when i had the hammers refaced.

The sound will brighten in time as the hammers compact but then you will need to get it voiced to even the tone as some will brighten more than others.

[lostinidlewonder]

For a tone that is too weak or too mellow, hardening of the hammer felt may be necessary. This is usually done by filing away soft outer layers of hammer felt or by applying a chemical hardening solution. You really should have a technician voice a piano though.

With some pianos certain notes still may sound different from their neighbors no matter how well the piano is voiced. This most commonly occurs when the strings change from steel wires wrapped with copper to plain steel. This sort of thing cannot be corrected by altering the hammers really.

[keys60]

True, the hammers will compact over time, but what about the ones not played as often? As mentioned, you'll need a voicing by a qualified tech. A lot of folks like the mellow tone with the new hammers, but our tastes vary wildly. We all hear differntly. Have the tech who installed them harden them up for you. Be there. He should harden a few and ask you if that's the sound your looking for. Then he can do the rest to your tastes.