Key Leveling

[Richard Brekne]

Farrell wrote:

> You stick people.
> 
> What methodology do you use to measure the gap between a key and the stick
> to determine how much punching to use? Do you just eyeball it and get good
> at it over time? And then, do you remove the stick and set aside to add
> punchings to each key, and set it back on the keyboard for the next key?
> What is your sequence?

When I use a stick... there is no gap. each keytop is to just "touch" 
the stick. If I have to add or subtract punchings then of course the 
stick has to be out of the way.

Personally, I like to rough them in quick and dirty by eyeball first, 
after carefully setting the end keys of each section. Then I get down to 
buisness. For most situations this "eyeballing" would improve the 
situation so much that I could probably leave it at that.

> 
> And Roger, I believe you had the choice words for the Jaras jig (I'm not
> arguing here, just getting info!), what is it you find to be inadequate in
> its performance. It seems to me there is a bit of wiggle in the rig for it
> to be real consistent, but I have worked most of the bugs out with mine and
> it works pretty good, but I must admit, it does not seem perfect. And I
> would like to have PERFECT key leveling every time. Thanks.

"Perfect" (and I mean really PERFECT) is lasts for only a few hours or 
so. Get it good... real good and concentrate on making the action play 
and feel right.

> 
> 
> Terry Farrell
> Piano Tuning & Service
> Tampa, Florida
> mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <bases-loaded@juno.com>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: Friday, January 26, 2001 7:30 PM
> Subject: Re: Key Leveling
> 
> 
>> I walk softly, and carry a big stick.
>> 
>> Like Ed's.
>> 
>> Mark Potter
>> bases-loaded@juno.com
>> 
>> On Fri, 26 Jan 2001 17:11:43 -0500 "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
>> writes:
>> 
>>> I would also like to know the popular technique(s). I was saddened to
>>> see my
>>> Jaras key leveling device referred to with ill will. What works
>>> better. I
>>> don't really like the traditional stick method. Let's hear it!
>>> 
>>> Terry Farrell
>>> Piano Tuning & Service
>>> Tampa, Florida
>>> mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com
>>> 
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Phil Bondi" <tito@PhilBondi.com>
>>> To: "Pianotech List" <pianotech@ptg.org>
>>> Sent: Friday, January 26, 2001 3:59 PM
>>> Subject: Key Leveling
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> ok..what do you folks like to do a top-notch leveling job?
>>>> 
>>>> I'm questioning my own devices.
>>>> 
>>>> roo(k)
>>>> 
>>>> 

-- 
Richard Brekne
RPT, N.P.T.F.
Bergen, Norway
mailto:Richard.Brekne@grieg.uib.no