something about aftertouch.......

[Piano Forte Supply]

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Maybe I overlooked it, but what I haven't seen in recent posts on this 
topic is how the compressibility of the front rail punching affects the 
aftertouch at different dynamic levels.  With a more highly 
compressible, less firm punching, the aftertouch changes a lot more 
drastically through the spectrum of dynamics, from ppp through fff.  If 
the piano is regulated at a "medium" blow [please don't jump on me for 
this term, I think it is clear to all who want to understand], the 
reduction in aftertouch on a very light blow is far more apt to create a 
problem with a bobbling hammer (than with a firmer punching).  
Conversely, on the same note played fff, aftertouch will surely far 
exceed 1 mm [dip and jack/knuckle clearance] and the chances are good 
that the jack will bury itself in the jack stop felt.

Meanwhile, the pianist is getting completely different tactile feedback 
from the key at every different dynamic level. (fluctuation in key dip, 
aftertouch, checking height etc., perhaps even repetition)

So the question is: HOW firm do we want the front rail punching to be?  
Obviously more firm than a sponge and softer than a stack of cardboard 
punchings.  But beyond that?  Perhaps as firm as possible without 
compomising the other duties of this punching, such as to keep key thunk 
to a minimum. 

I have done some simple testing, measuring the thickness of a common 
(woven) front rail punching and a Crescendo punching with no load 
compared to being compressed by weight.  In my test, the Crescendo 
punching compressed  less than half as much as the other one.

I can imagine there will be players for whom the feel of the Crescendo 
punchings may not be "soft" enough, just as there are those who enjoy 
their "loose action" with wobbling hammers.   For most others, this new 
punching with its crisp, precise feel will enhance their playing 
pleasure, if not their performance.

Using these punchings will yield a more stable regulation, with an 
unprecedented definition of aftertouch as well as greater consistency of 
touch throughout all dynamic playing levels.

 And that can't be all bad...

Jurgen Goering
Piano Forte Supply

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