<I hope this doesn't sound like too goofy a question. I guess I'm asking whether a Young Chang (or whatever generally viewed lower quality action) can be made to play as well as any good quality action (neglecting the difference in pianos - which I fully realize can dramatically affect the way an action performs)?> Seems to me that, although the action parts in modern grands aren't necessarily interchangeable between different actions, their geometry is very close, that is, they don't differ all that much. What varies is the quality of materials, precision of assembly, and how well they're regulated. On most Yamahas, for example, the parts are pretty well aligned, jacks centered, regulating buttons straight up and down and evenly spaced, while on some Korean pianos, they're pointing every which direction, keys rub together, hammer tails rub the backchecks on a hard blow, etc. But if all these things are corrected (alignment, easing, re-pinning, straightening, friction, balance, etc.) and the action is finely regulated, it should play as well, at least for a while, as a more expensive piano. The parts may wear out faster, but that wasn't the question. A piano teacher client of mine who has always preferred the touch of a Steinway action asked me if there's anything inherent in the Steinway action or anything different that makes its touch unique. (I don't really see the perceived "Steinway touch" as unique, except that new ones tend to have a heavy downweight, as do many un-broken-in new pianos). I replied, "Not really -- the action parts are very similar to most other grands, except the rounded balance rail -- it's how they're regulated, weighted, balanced, that makes the difference in the touch." So, yes, I think a well-prepared and super-regulated Young Chang or even Samick (?) action could be put into a Steinway or Bösendorfer (if the hammers, strike point, etc. all lined up) and most professional players wouldn't know the difference unless they've played only one brand of piano t heir whole career. (I feel the flames already) --David Nereson, RPT, Denver
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