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This method was noticed during a tour at Mason & Hamlin piano factory in Haverhill, MA years ago. Renner Academy near Phoenix, AZ teaches hammer angling in a similar way. As always, this is essentially a note to myself. The current method may change in the future. The bass strings are designed to be located above steel strings. They are installed at an angle of about 15 degrees to the hammer line. The bass hammers are hung at a angle of 5 degrees to compensate the string angle. Often, with the 5 degree angle, when a bass hammer goes up towards the strings, it rubs its neighbor. To solve this problem, Mason and Hamlin factory tilts their bass hammers slightly towards the treble to eliminate possible conflicts. This is our hammer angling reference jig designed by Chris Brown. It is to make sure hammers are hung vertically. We installed a small screw on one side. By turning the screw outward, the jig can tilt to the angle best for the bass hammers. On this action, one degree tilt to the treble side is enough for the bass hammers to clear each other. Put a hook on the tip of a heat gun and turn it on. hold the hammer head, move the tip along the hammer shank back and forth to evenly distribute the heat while not making a burn mark on the wood. In a few seconds when you feel the shank gives up its stiffness, remove heat gun, twist the hammer head slightly over the ideal angle since it will spring back a little when cooled. Feel the temperature on the shank, when it cools, check if the hammer head aligns with the jig, as shown in the second picture. After all bass hammers are tilted, check if they clear each other when going up and down. If they are still rubbing, increase the tilting angle, tilt all bass hammers at the increased angle one more time.
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