Mike at Cincinnati: The rationale for my saying that not much information is derived about inertia by using touchweights while measuring acceleration in a key/hammer system came in the next sentence, though (I must admit), I didn't make that very clear. Let me be more thorough. I said in that next sentence: "Pianos I have encountered with lots of inertia seem to be fine for the pianists until they play them fast and loud. At that point, all the inertia in the piano becomes a problem for the pianist as they try to accelerate/decelerate the key/hammer systems very quickly many times persecond". In other words, I don't think we would see much difference in acceleration rates between pianos of high and low inertia until we tried to accelerate them -- i.e. their key/hammer systems -- very quickly as occurs in fast, loud playing. We have to invent some sort of spring loaded machine that could engage notes rather forcefully but, of course, at the same force from piano to piano to analyze inertia because its presence, as it relates to the pianist in a problematic way, is not felt on soft blows. Obviously the touchweights mimic a softer than soft blow. For Steve Brady: A heart amen to you for your comment about pianists being For Steve Brady: A hearty amen to you for your comment about pianists being used to certain levels of inertia, and I also agree with Mr. Spurlock that those levels can vary quite a bit. I have tried no leads (as an experiment) in keys when fitting new frames to pianos and have got mixed results. Generally people say the actions feel a little awkward when playing soft but that they work good when playing fast. I did not put these "experimental" actions back in service without adding weights. To Mr. Ballard: I have been a long time proponent of using the Steinway shank with a post '84 geometry. The mechanical advantage gained makes for actions that will appeal to a broader spectrum of players. I wrote a rather lengthy article about this in the College and University Newsletter some time in '93. The article deals with shank dimensions and how they affect the action To all: I'm displaying too much inertia by sitting here in front of this damn computer. Fresh snow outside. Off to do some cross country skiing.
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