[pianotech] capstain/wippen angle, was: key position at rest

[David Love]

Except that the accelerated action doesn't utilize a tilted capstan.

David Love
www.davidlovepianos.com

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of V T
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 3:55 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] capstain/wippen angle, was: key position at rest


I think this is a case where two parameters are available for optimizing. One is friction, and the other is the action ratio. However, the question is which of the two is more important to optimize?

We can minimize the friction during the stroke, as Ron Overs did. This actually tilts the capstan in the opposite direction from what S&S did. Alternatively, we can explore if there is some benefit to a ratio that changes as a function of key position. When I last looked at Steinway’s tilted heel/capstan geometry, I concluded that the design intent was a changing ratio rather than minimal friction. This may very well be the biggest “secret” of the so-called accelerated action.