Front Rail Felt Theory

[Warren Fisher]

Terry,
There are as many different action designs as there are pianos almost.  Most of
the the ones we are working on today were made during the "Rube Golberg" era
when people were awed by the number of patent numbers a company could put on
their machines. Believe me, if you stock only medium, you are going to wind up
in a crack sometime.  The action geometry is the most important thing.  If you
use the wrong combination of center and fronts, you will get jacks that don't
escape, hammers that don't check and a lot of other quirks that you have to do
rework to make right. That's why most people do test keys on the ends of each
section and in the middle of the keyboard with the rest of the keys missing, to
be able to see from the side how they are operating.  Be sure to do a black as
well as a white at each location.  The different length of key makes them
operated differently.

I think the final answer to your question is merchandising.  More sizes = more $
in sales.  What'cha think?

Warren

Farrell wrote:

> Well, being that yours is the only response so far, I guess maybe it helps a
> tiny little bit. At least I did smile. However, I am still troubled with
> this front rail felt thing. Is there any rhyme or reason for a billion
> different sizes? Or are different sizes made simply because the
> manufacturers can sell them. And folks that are bothered by these things sit
> in misery while they wonder in frustration: why?
>
> Terry Farrell
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Richard Brekne" <Richard.Brekne@grieg.uib.no>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2001 4:45 PM
> Subject: Re: Front Rail Felt Theory
>
> > Farrell wrote:
> >
> > > What is the deal with front rail felt?
> >
> > 25.95.... you interested ?? :)
> >
> > > All keys are about the same size and
> > > travel about the same amount.
> >
> > Terry... sometimes your astutness simply astounds me.
> >
> > > Why are there at least two different diameter
> > > felts and many different thicknesses available?
> >
> > Because variety is the spice of life ??
> >
> > > I suppose some of the felt is even of various densities.
> >
> > Why yes... I suppose you are correct. I believe... now that you mention
> it...
> > that they even come in different shades of green. And I think I remember
> seeing
> > some grey ones... and some white ones once.  Perhaps we should start a
> trend
> > with designer colours ??
> >
> > >
> > > First, why are there big diameter and small diameter? Where are they
> used?
> >
> > Because big is ....well bigger. ditto for small. They are generally used
> where
> > appropriate... or just because thats what was handiest to buy that month
> >
> > > Why?
> >
> > For the same reason there is air ?
> >
> > > Thickness. You could always use thin felt and make up the difference
> with
> > > thick punchings.
> >
> > Yes... that is also done.
> >
> > > Do some pianists like thick felt for a nice cushy feel?
> >
> > Well... some do like em hot they say... I suppose some would then
> naturally
> > like it ....cushy.
> >
> > > Some like thin for a more firm feel?
> >
> > Oh yes... defininatly.
> >
> > > Sure is easier to be consistent with
> > > dip with the thinner felt.
> >
> > you get a nicer consistancy in your dip this way ?? I generally use a
> spoon...
> > but to each their own.
> >
> >
> > > What is the deal here? Why use thick or thin?
> >
> > See above.
> >
> > > Thanks. I'll sleep better tonight if I get some good input.   ;-)
> >
> > Well... I dont know if this fills the bill for you Terry... its meant to
> put a
> > smile on your face... does that help ?
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > Terry Farrell
> >
> > m'best to you
> >
> > --
> > Richard Brekne
> > RPT, N.P.T.F.
> > Bergen, Norway
> > mailto:rbrekne@broadpark.no
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >

--
Warren Fisher RPT
fish@Communique.net
1422 Briarwood Dr.
Slidell, LA 70458-3102