popsicle stick engineering

[David C. Stanwood]

>Ric B writes: <snip>
>if you can get a 10 mm dip, 46 mm blow, 1-2 mm let-off and good aftertouch 
>then an
>appropriate set of hammers for the existing leverage should work at
>least fairly well. <snip>
Ric,

I disagree with you.  In my opinion Kent is on the right track moving the 
capstan line to get the ratio down to 5.6.  So long as he can regulate the 
action there is every reason to take this course (reducing the ratio to 5.6 
level) in combination with a normal weight hammer (TopMedium).  The 
regulation will need a shorter blow and deeper dip.  One can regulate dip 
as deep as 10.5mm dip and blow as short as 44.5mm blow and have a perfectly 
great feeling low ratio action...

Don't take my word for it...  Steinway specifications according to the 
Steinway Technical Guide 1992 Page 38 states  "it should be noted that the 
key dip can vary within the suggested range of .390 inches and .420 inches 
for any Steinway piano" (9.9mm-10.7mm).  Page 23 of the guide gives a  blow 
of 1 3/4"/44.5mm for models S-B.

David Stanwood