something about aftertouch.......

David Love davidlovepianos@comcast.net
Sun, 8 May 2005 19:39:56 -0700


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I agree.  That is the tradeoff.  A softer touch because of a more
compressible punching will result in a variation in aftertouch depending
on the dynamic level of play.  A firmer punching will give a more
precise regulation less subject to dynamic variability but a harder
stop.  Choosing a balance between consistency of regulation and the
desired feel at the bottom of the stroke is the challenge and will
depend on the needs of the particular player.  
 
David Love
davidlovepianos@comcast.net 
-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On
Behalf Of Piano Forte Supply
Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2005 7:30 PM
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Subject: RE: something about aftertouch.......
 
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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