Key height and key dip

[Kenneth Sloane]

        Reply to:   RE>Key height and key dip

There are several factors associated with the pianist's perception of sharp height. The shape of the sharps (thickness and taper) is a major one because it affects the pianist's ability to get in between the sharps and the movement of the finger therein. Ivory or plastic naturals seems to make a difference, also, probably because ivory provides more friction between the finger and the keytop than plastic, creating a situation where a "lower" sharp height is preferable.

In general, I find that a height of 15/32" is the best compromise. It provides for enough key travel for those pianos that require a lot of dip yet is low enough for pianos with the built-in impediments I mentioned above (thick sharps, ivory, etc.).    Ken Sloane, Oberlin Conservatory

--------------------------------------
Date: 11/20/98 8.10 PM
To: Kenneth Sloane
From: caut@ptg.org
Dear Friends,

Since the recent topic of discussion has been on keydip and after touch,
here is another question related to that topic.

Is there a preference for a sharp key height of 1/2" (American pianos) or
for 12 mm (Asian pianos)?
Is there a noticeable difference in the action if 1/2" is used instead of
12mm?  Will pianists notice the difference?  How will it affect keydip and
aftertouch?

Thanks!

David A. Vanderhoofven
Missouri Southern State College
Joplin, MO  


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Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 18:06:01 -0600
To: caut@ptg.org
From: Vanderhoofven <dkvander@clandjop.com>
Subject: Key height and key dip
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