Key Leveling

[Tom Cole]

Terry,

I abandoned the Jaras jig mostly because of uneven keybeds. A long stick
is a true measure of levelness and it's also a great help in squaring up
the keys.

I use Carl Meyer's key leveling system (you still making them, Carl?).
It consists of a steel rule, without the markings, fastened to a block
at each end which keep the rule standing on edge. The blocks also serve
to raise the rule up 1/2", if you change it end for end, so that you can
level the sharps. For measuring dip, there is a small, wedge-shaped
piece marked in 10/1000" increments. You depress the key and slide in
the wedge until it stops and the markings show how much you need to add
or subtract. 

To estimate how much to add at the balance rail, I lay out an assortment
of front rail punchings and try various singles and multiples to get a
slip fit between the keytop and the rule. Since there is about a 2:1
relationship between what is measured at the front pin and what is
changed at the balance rail, I divide the measured gap by two, write
this amount on the key stick and continue measuring the whole set of
white keys. I then turn the rule over and do the black keys. Now the
rule can be removed to install the punchings. 

Tom Cole


Farrell wrote:
> 
> You stick people.
> 
> What methodology do you use to measure the gap between a key and the stick
> to determine how much punching to use? Do you just eyeball it and get good
> at it over time? And then, do you remove the stick and set aside to add
> punchings to each key, and set it back on the keyboard for the next key?
> What is your sequence?
> 
> And Roger, I believe you had the choice words for the Jaras jig (I'm not
> arguing here, just getting info!), what is it you find to be inadequate in
> its performance. It seems to me there is a bit of wiggle in the rig for it
> to be real consistent, but I have worked most of the bugs out with mine and
> it works pretty good, but I must admit, it does not seem perfect. And I
> would like to have PERFECT key leveling every time. Thanks.
> 
> Terry Farrell
> Piano Tuning & Service
> Tampa, Florida
> mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <bases-loaded@juno.com>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: Friday, January 26, 2001 7:30 PM
> Subject: Re: Key Leveling
> 
> > I walk softly, and carry a big stick.
> >
> > Like Ed's.
> >
> > Mark Potter
> > bases-loaded@juno.com
> >
> > On Fri, 26 Jan 2001 17:11:43 -0500 "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
> > writes:
> > > I would also like to know the popular technique(s). I was saddened to
> > > see my
> > > Jaras key leveling device referred to with ill will. What works
> > > better. I
> > > don't really like the traditional stick method. Let's hear it!
> > >
> > > Terry Farrell
> > > Piano Tuning & Service
> > > Tampa, Florida
> > > mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com
> > >
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: "Phil Bondi" <tito@PhilBondi.com>
> > > To: "Pianotech List" <pianotech@ptg.org>
> > > Sent: Friday, January 26, 2001 3:59 PM
> > > Subject: Key Leveling
> > >
> > >
> > > > ok..what do you folks like to do a top-notch leveling job?
> > > >
> > > > I'm questioning my own devices.
> > > >
> > > > roo(k)
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >