Objective keydip measuring

[Jon Page]

Ron,
I have a dip block which is screwed to a weight.
This applies an even force on each key but I prefer
the plain block myself.

1. I don't see how a spring-loaded device would compensate for
different playing styles. Harder playing compresses the front rail
punching more so a thinner, denser felt would be better to establish
a stable keydip. Consequently a dip which is set for such playing
would be shallower on a softer touch. So any spring-loaded device
would still be dependant on the amount of pressure applied.

Now, what I would like to see is a device to measure UW/DW.
Something along the order of an arm with a scale attached to
measure the grams on the downstroke and again on the upstroke.
(digital readout w/ input direct to computer - asking too much ? )
I just don't have to time or ambition for this project. I might though
if I stumbled across a suitable scale/measuring device.

2. I have not experienced loose centers on Renner USA parts. 

Jon Page
Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass. (jpage@capecod.net)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At 12:25 PM 11/16/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Two questions:
>
>1. Does anyone know of a tool that measures keydip objectively - ie., you
>don't have to try relying on identical finger pressure for each key (an
>impossibility in my experience!)? I see depth gages, some of which that
>appear to be spring-loaded. Are these accurate and convenient to use? Do
>they work for black keys equally well? It would also be nice to have such
>an instrument for measuring aftertouch - preferably something where the
>spring tension can be varied ever-so-slightly to allow for heavy-touch
>playing or light-touch playing. (Am I getting too esoteric??)
>
>2. Has anyone ever heard of different friction specs for Renner centers?
>It always seems like Renner's centers are floppy-loose out of the box. I
>wonder if they pin things loose, anticipating that the centers will
>tighten up after a period of use.
>
>Ron Torrella, RPT
>Piano Technician
>University of Michigan		   "Dese are de conditions dat prevail."
>School of Music						--Jimmy Durante
>734/764-6207 (office/shop)
>734/763-5097 (fax)
>734/572-7663 (home)
>
>