Paul, I don't think the angle of the pin needs to change the easing process. Maybe I just haven't given that enough thought yet, though. Kawai's preferred balance hole easing is to lift the key so that the bushing just clears the top of the key, then let it fall. We lift from the front and check the fit, then lift from the back and check it that way. Angle the easing tool in the hole to favor the tighter direction - in other words, if the key is more sluggish when lifted from the rear, angle the tool back while easing. The ideal easing is for the key to slide down slowly, but keeping in mind the humidity is important. In variable climates like yours, during very dry weather ease it so that the key barely will slide back down the pin. During humid weather, it should fall freely. This method makes the keys with more lead weights slightly tighter. Don Mannino -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Paul Milesi Sent: Saturday, October 08, 2011 1:00 PM To: PTG Pianotech List Subject: [pianotech] Easing Balance Holes : Kawai KG-1E I am working on a 1991 Kawai KG-1E (5'4") in a church. Among other things, I replaced key bushings. While easing keys, I realized that the balance pins are installed perfectly perpendicular to the rail, rather than angled back. Should this change my approach to easing the balance hole? I was taught to lift the front of the key anywhere from 1/4" to 1" while the back of the key rests on the back rail, and to ease for free fall of the key. It seems to me that on any piano, at some point lifting too far and easing to allow for a freely falling key will cause chucking (pulley key). In this particular case, does having the pins perpendicular require less, or no, lifting at the front, but rather lifting front and back of the key to check balance hole fit? Hoping Don Mannino might be watching.... Paul Milesi RPT Washington DC (202) 246-3136 Cell/Text paul at pmpiano.com http://www.pmpiano.com
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