[CAUT] Erard piano

[A440A at aol.com]

<< > My problem is that I cannot find an expert who will give me the 
correct > factory hammer blow distance and factory key depth, as well 
as damper > regulation.<< 

    You can find the proper keydip by understanding that the sharps must not 
go farther than approx. 1 mm above the tops of the naturals when depressed, 
and they cannot be above 13 mm above the naturals when at rest. This is your 
range of keydip.  The hammers must not lie on the rest rail, nor be more than 5 
mm above it.  This is your hammer range.  Let-off can be set at 1 mm throughout 
the scale for a beginning specification.  You should then be able to find a 
comfortable set of specs that are tailored to the performers sense of touch by 
varying the amount of aftertouch. ie.  if you want to reduce the aftertouch to 
a minumum, (which will be the fastest action), lower your hammers or raise 
your keydip, or a little of both.  You may then want to set your let-off to just 
below the lower excursion limit of the string when the string has been struck 
as firmly as the performer is likely to play it.  The drop should leave the 
hammer at exactly the same height as let-off. Springs should be as strong as 
possible without being felt in the key upon hammer release. 
The knuckle should be in contact with the top of the jack, but no more than 
that.  The distal edge of the jack should be even with the distal edge of the 
knuckle core. 
     The dampers should begin to lift when the hammer is halfway to the 
string. 
 
Ed Foote RPT 
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html