[pianotech] Leveling keys (the Steinway answer)

[Gerald Groot]

Thanks so much everyone for your input and advice.  It is interesting to say
the least.  Sometimes we do things by habit, by training and sometimes,
without thinking and it all comes out good in the end.  Learning is the key
here.  My dad once told me, if one day, you lose interest in learning, it is
time to get out of the business.  So far, so good!  :-)

 

Keith, thanks for taking the time to write what Steinway says in their
manual.  I enjoyed reading it.  

 

Joe, you're still hillarious.  Hope next Monday is better for you!  :-)  

 

Jer Groot RPT

 

 

 

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Keith McGavern
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:28 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Leveling keys (the Steinway answer)

 

 

On Jun 23, 2009, at 7:24 AM, Gerald Groot wrote:





 Nor has anyone bothered to say why Steinway DOES crown them? 

 

Jerry, List,

 

It would appear that you are correct in this statement from all I have read
from the input of others.

 

For clarification:

I am trusting that when you say "why Steinway does crown them" means,
Steinway pianos do not level their keys flat.

 

There is a reason the Steinway grand piano key level is not leveled flat,
and it is for the following:

(verbatim from the Steinway & Sons Technical Service Manual I have in my
possession)

 

------

Bedding the Keyframe to Keybed

Background: Steinway utilizes a keybed which is shaped and planed in such a
way that it provides the keyframe with a solid support structure and minimal
friction.

 

Features:

1) The front lip of the keybed (1/2" approximately), which contacts the
keyframe is crowned so that its center is approximately 1/32" higher than
the ends.

5) The front rail of the keyframe is reverse crowned so that the center of
the front rail is approximately 1/32" lower than the ends. This is done to
ensure stability at the front rail. There should be no gaps along this line
of contact.

(page 11)

-----

 

This clearly shows that when the keyboard is held in place with keyblocks,
leveling the keys correctly should follow the line of that crown as
recommended by Steinway and should not be leveled flat.

 

If one looks closely at the front of the keyframe and keybed with keyblocks
unfastened, this crown and reverse crown are evident.

 

Sincerely,

 

Keith



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