Keys and MOI

[David M. Porritt]

Dennis:

I think you have a point about the different leverage of black & white keys.  However, that's been the case for every pianist since their first lesson, so that's already part of their "normal".  I've seen pianist complain about it when the black keys are set too high, but in a well regulated action, I think those differences are what they have come to expect.

dave


__________________________________________
David M. Porritt, RPT
Meadows School of the Arts
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX 75275


----- Original message ---------------------------------------->
From: Dennis Johnson <johnsond@stolaf.edu>
To: College and University Technicians <caut@ptg.org>
Received: Tue, 06 Jan 2004 09:59:34 -0600
Subject: Re: Keys and MOI

>I was in and out of this discussion, but one thing I have not heard mention
>of is that our keyboard layout for white and black keys make it impossible
>(as is) for them both to have exactly the same MOI.  This would be due to
>the fact that the geometry of whippen heel/capstan alignment to balance
>hole is different.  On some actions this can make a noticeable difference
>and I've even gone so far as to adjust whippen heel length differently for
>whites and blacks to accommodate for the different layouts of balance
>pins.  I think the result was improved, but it did leave a rather unusual
>look for significant extra labor, so I've opted away from that since and
>look for a compromise with both.

>I don't mean to imply this is the only reason our pursuit of a perfectly
>even MOI is an endless challenge, but this is one easily tangible
>explanation for an inherently different "feel" between whites and blacks.

>cheers-

>dennis johnson

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