<HTML> <HEAD> <TITLE>Re: [CAUT] Natural key width</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY> The industry standard, if there is one, is the 48 inch keyboard (although Steinway current production is 48 3/8”).  Divide that up over 52 white keys, and there isn’t really any variation possible in key spacing, and any significant variation in width just gives the Letterman effect.  The DS 7/8 keyboard is 42 inches.  We don’t have one here, but I have heard several very positive reviews of it. Regards, Ken Z. On 1/25/08 12:06 PM, "Paul T Williams" <pwilliams4@unlnotes.unl.edu> wrote: <BLOCKQUOTE> List, Is there a standard in the industry for piano key width on the naturals.  Nearly all the pianos here are at 23mm except for the five Mason and Hamlins from the 20's we have which measure 22mm giving them a disconcerting space between the keys. Think of David Letterman <G>. We have no European pianos so I can't measure them. One of our piano professors is doing some kind of research paper and was a big advocate for one of our practice Steinways to have a 7/8th keyboard installed for small handed students.  (It hardly ever gets played!) Thanks Paul </BLOCKQUOTE> -- Ken Zahringer, RPT Piano Technician MU School of Music 297 Fine Arts 882-1202 cell 489-7529 </BODY> </HTML>