Hammer Shanks

The last piece of our hammer assembly is the 'shank'.  This is a long & slender shaped action piece.  Hammer shanks are produced in various sizes and shapes depending on the manufacture and model of piano.  All are generally cylindrical in shape.

On one end the hammer head is mounted (this strikes the string to produce the sound), and on the opposite end, the shank is attached to the flange (holds the hammer/shank assembly in position to precisely strike the string).

Grand Piano - Wooden Hammer Shank

Traditionally made of wood, hammer shanks are now also produced in a composite material that includes carbon fiber, creating a hammer shank that is strong and consistent in strength without being effected by humidity and climate changes.

Grand Piano - Carbon Fiber Composite Hammer Shank

 I love this picture above - don't the hammers look like little faces?  I like to call this one the "3 Stooges".  :)

Vertical Piano
Wooden Hammer Shank

We'll talk more about composite action parts as we move through the piano's action.


Next week - Whippen Assembly!


"The Disclaimer" - Technical Tuesdays are intended to give folks who are curious about pianos a bit more understanding of all those technical terms thrown about by piano technicians.  This is not intended for super in-depth technical analysis, nor micro measurements; just general knowledge for those who are interested in how a piano works.