> At 03:20 AM 6/19/03 , you wrote: >Hi Touchweight enthusiasts > >Our freind Hans Velo is at it again with his magnent inventions. The >latest issue of the European Journal carries a short where he describes >the use of magnets to create a virtual hammer shank knuckle. This idea >is rather fascinating because in addition to reducing friction at the >knuckle, it claims to reduce the amount of counterweighting needed by >the keys. Effectively, these two magnets add a second << virtual >> >knuckle whippen interface that presumably alters the action ratio >significantly enough to allow for less key leading. I don't understand why you have to alter the action ratio. Wouldn't reducing the friction alone allow for less key leading? >... > >The device itself consists of a screw resembling a drop screw that goes >throught he shank just aft of the knuckle, the bottom of which has a >magnet attached. Just under this on the repetition lever is a repeling >counterpart. Both are fully adjustble and are angled such that the >distance between them is maintained through the arcs of the two part >through most of the key stroke............ > >Cheers >RicB I wonder about the effect on hammer line and blow distance with this device. When the hammer is supported by the repetition lever and spring there is a hard adjustable stop that determines the location of the hammer. Not so with this device as far as I can see. I also question the idea that you want to reduce friction between the jack and knuckle to zero or near zero. I think the pianist needs this friction as feedback. Phil F
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