Practical Concert Work

[Phillip Ford]

>
>Further, whether you want to have the jack and the balancier "shelf" 
>together also depends upon the artist. You can make a difference in 
>the feel (and perception of controllability) by changing the timing. 
>I have had them prefer the balancier to hit a little earlier for a 
>slightly spongier, more resistant landing, and it's not hard to 
>accommodate. Conversely, having the jack tender touch slightly 
>early makes for a softer feel, as the weight of the shank stays on 
>the balancier longer. Even though this requires longer letoff, some 
>artists find it more controllable at pp.
>
>Bob Davis

I don't understand why this requires longer letoff .

Phil Ford