YC Strike Weights etc

[David Stanwood]

>From: Ron Overs <sec@overspianos.com.au>
>>Dr. Walter Pfeiffer makes a pretty good case for having all the
>>balance pins in one row.  You could probably save yourself a good
>>deal of unnecessary heartache and labour by reading him on this
>>subject.
>>
>
>I read that too from the good Doc, but I don't agree with him in this
>instance. Check out what happens on a speadsheet JD, you'll be amazed
>at the variation in ratio should the balance pins be all placed in
>the one line.
>
>What's your view on this subject David Stanwood?
>
>Ron O

Dear Ron,

I'm glad you asked. I just did an experiment with my front weight scale jig 
on a Steinway Action model.  If the Natural Key Weight Ratio is .51 and the 
sharp balance rail pin is in the same position as the natural that makes the 
sharp KR .69.

I pivoted the key this way and the Strike Weight Ratio figured out to 7.5 on 
the sharp as compared to 5.5 on the natural.  From much experiance studying 
actions I've found that a 7.5 ratio makes for unbelievebly heavy dynamic 
touch requiring enormous amounts of key lead to balance to a normal Down 
Weight with very high friction weight and extremely shallow dip with jacks 
that lock up in the repetition window when the key is depressed down onto 
the front punching.  A sure recipe for "heartache and Labour"...as far as 
the pianist is concerned.

So I disagree with Pfeiffer on this point.

D. Stanwood

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