[pianotech] New keyframe

[David Doremus]

 From my limited experience Mike is correct. I used to make keyboards 
for harpsichords and fortepianos and the keys and frames were drilled 
together and then fit to the instrument. You would have to make a very 
accurate pattern from the old keyframe that would serve as a guide for 
drilling the new one, leaving the new one over sized, and then fit keys 
and frame together into the keybed. When you glue up the new one do it 
on a flat surface....

--Dave
   New Orleans




Mike Morvan wrote:
> Chuck,
>     The act of making a keyframe is a very simple woodworking task. 
> The difficulty is to accurately get the measurements off the old 
> keyframe and duplicate them on the new frame. Any amount of error in 
> the measurements and machining or both will be very apparent when you 
> put the keys back on the frame, if they fit back on the frame. 
>     There are a handful of us in the country that offer new keyboards 
> and the usual process is to make new keys to fit on the old keyframe. 
> This service typically includes a new balance rail and front rail 
> inlays. Traditionally the keys and rails can be drilled at the same 
> time, or use CNC  to ensure proper spacing.
>     Making a new set of rails or keyframe with old keys is a 
> logistical and fixturing nightmare, the keys are separate. My advice, 
> if your going to make a new one don't destroy the old one in the 
> process, you may need it. Good luck, Mike