Hammer and Piano

[themaximillyan]

"Hammer and Piano: The Importance of the Hammer as a Sound-shaping Element in Grand Pianos"

Dear students,
Today's topic is the hammer mechanism of the piano. Hammer, as its name suggests, is an essential component of a piano that requires careful consideration and attention. It is a matter of great importance to discuss what type of hammer is suitable for a piano and how it is installed.
The evolution of the hammer mechanism is as significant as the replacement of hammer and tangents in the piano's sound production process. Unlike the cimbalom, where a full hand strike is needed for sound production, the pianist has to strike the key with a single finger to produce a similar sound. The force of a finger is not comparable to that of a hand, and this is where the evolution of piano mechanisms comes in to compensate for this limitation.
Therefore, when a pianist strikes the string with a hammer, the quality of the sound is determined by the material, the shape and the size of the hammer. Does the pianist know what type of hammer is used in their piano, how it looks and what materials are used for its core and felt? These are essential questions that every pianist should know. Sadly, 99% of pianists practicing today are unfamiliar with these details, considering them irrelevant or secondary. However, it is important to remember that the hammer mechanism is the primary tool for sound extraction.
In conclusion, the hammer mechanism of the piano is a vital component that pianists should pay careful attention to. Knowing the type, material and structure of the hammer can greatly enhance a pianist's playing experience and improve overall performance. Furthermore, even the grooves created by the hammer's impact area are essential. It is necessary to take into account all the advantages of a high-quality hammer while also being aware that the pianist must adjust and perform when faced with hammers that create catastrophic grooves and "dig into" the string, rather than bouncing off of it. This often happens when the felt on the hammer has worn down to the wooden core after years of use.
If piano tuners could visit music schools, not only to perform their job but also to explain the physics behind "how the hammer works" and why it is almost impossible to produce a full sound on faulty hammers, it would be very beneficial. Tuners could demonstrate all the benefits and drawbacks of such defects and, most importantly, try to encourage young students to look at the hammer mechanism differently.
In conclusion, understanding the hammer mechanism of the piano is crucial for every pianist. By knowing the structure and materials used in the hammer, pianists can better adapt to different types of hammers, allowing them to produce a full sound. It is also essential to teach young students about the hammer mechanism, as this knowledge can improve their understanding and appreciation of their instrument. Teaching students critical knowledge about the hammer culture can stimulate an interest that will lead to a comprehensive understanding of the subject, and where the hammer becomes an integral part of their instrument practice. Before receiving such revelations from the tuner, many students could spend hours on end not understanding why they were unable to produce the desired sound, and unfortunately, their teachers may not know where to start troubleshooting. By revealing the veil of ignorance, students will be able to re-adjust their playing techniques. As a result, they will produce "different" music, in the best sense of the word.
The piano is a technical invention that has endured over centuries. Humanity can be proud that, having started with a hunting bow, where the stretched string served as a prototype for many musical instruments, eventually, it obtained a full-fledged grand piano sound. The perfect moment of truth arrived, when a piece of wood surrounded by sheep's wool became THAT magical wand, capable of making us (humans) love and hate, cry and laugh, ponder, and so on. The percussion device, essentially a drum, can create incredible sustained, legato lines of sound! And, all of this sound legato is directly linked to the hammer! Let there be piano sound everywhere. Let there be MANY of them, love your pianos, and NEVER forget about the hammers inside them.

[ego0720]

Can you provide some context? Is this from your teacher in class? A book? Are you a teacher sharing to us? Don’t get me wrong I found it useful but curious to the framework of this post. Reference would be appreciated.

[anacrusis]

Can you provide some context? Is this from your teacher in class? A book? Are you a teacher sharing to us? Don’t get me wrong I found it useful but curious to the framework of this post. Reference would be appreciated.

That's exactly what I thought as well!

[themaximillyan]

Can you provide some context? Is this from your teacher in class? A book? Are you a teacher sharing to us? Don’t get me wrong I found it useful but curious to the framework of this post. Reference would be appreciated.

The point is that I just noted what I think is a problem. So, a seamstress does not work if she does not know how her sewing machine works. The pianist in most cases has no idea about the "insides" of the piano. If tuners went to piano classes and talked about the device, it would be there.
I am a non-professional piano tuner. I have a lot of knowledge on the subject, but I can’t express it freely, because I don’t speak English, unfortunately. I'm just creating public opinion about it. The teacher invites the tuner to his lessons and he explains let's say about strings and hammers there,
best regards, Max

[ego0720]

The point is that I just noted what I think is a problem. So, a seamstress does not work if she does not know how her sewing machine works. The pianist in most cases has no idea about the "insides" of the piano. If tuners went to piano classes and talked about the device, it would be there.
I am a non-professional piano tuner. I have a lot of knowledge on the subject, but I can’t express it freely, because I don’t speak English, unfortunately. I'm just creating public opinion about it. The teacher invites the tuner to his lessons and he explains let's say about strings and hammers there,
best regards, Max

For the readers we just needed a setup so we know your point. Which is informative. That’s perfectly fine and thanks for sharing.

I would argue that piano mechanics are very important for understanding the pedals. The sordina / soft / una corda pedal, sostenuto pedal, damper / sustained pedal. These are very difficult to understand without seeing the design of piano. I remember reading a book describing it. No matter what it wasn’t until I studied the inside of a piano that its use became very clear.

[themaximillyan]

For the readers we just needed a setup so we know your point. Which is informative. That’s perfectly fine and thanks for sharing.

I would argue that piano mechanics are very important for understanding the pedals. The sordina / soft / una corda pedal, sostenuto pedal, damper / sustained pedal. These are very difficult to understand without seeing the design of piano. I remember reading a book describing it. No matter what it wasn’t until I studied the inside of a piano that its use became very clear.

one simple variant when pianist has hards in times he playing,