John: It seems to me that the most important thing for sharp keys is not how high they are at rest, but where they end up when the key is depressed. My guess is that sharp keys differ in thickness so that 1/2" may not be standard spec for all sharps on all pianos. I've heard that 1/2" is a maximum and at that spec, the pianist will work a little harder because fingers have to be lifted a little higher. In fact I've been told that to make an action feel a little heavier, set the sharps as high as possible, i.e., 1/2". Setting the sharps lower runs the risk of burying the sharps into the naturals. I guess a more meaningful spec would be the amount of sharp showing above the naturals when the key is depressed. I've heard the thickness of a nickle is best. Trouble is, I don't know how thick a nickle is. I'll go measure one--I get .075. So let's say the spec for sharps is this: Sharps when fully depressed should not only take the action through let off and aftertouch but should stand at .075 above the naturals. Will that work? Richard West
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