[pianotech] key dip (was gauge)

[David Love]

I agree with developing a sense of touch rather than a weight--less stuff to
handle and move as well.  For those who don't, though, there are dip weights
available.  I hadn't thought of permanent spacers with an extender like
that.  That's a better method, again, less handling of different stuff makes
things go faster with less stress.  

David Love
www.davidlovepianos.com

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of A440A at aol.com
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2009 7:30 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] key dip (was gauge)

David writes:

<< Cut out a slot in a card
stock punching that is the thickness of the desired amount of aftertouch.  I
use .030".  The punching can then be inserted and removed with a pair of
tweezers easily. <snip> Use a weight do depress the key is you choose.   >>

      I also regulate with an aftertouch priority.   I used tweezers for 
years, but the final arrival of a carpal tunnel problem made me wish I had
gone 
ahead and made up some permanent spacers much earlier.   It took all of 3 
minutes to cut out and tape cardboard handles to the spacers I use for
measuring 
aftertouch, (stacks of punchings glued together for various depths), It is
now 
faster, easier, and I don't spend an hour with my forearm tightened up
around a 
pair of tweezers!  Blow and let-off settings are both critical to making the

dip consistent!  
    I  would also make a push here for not using a weight, but rather, 
developing a sense in ones finger for feeling escapement and a certain
amount of 
punching compression as simultaneous events.   With so many variables,
(ratio, 
weight, resiliency, friction),  not only  the amount, but the nature of the 
resistance at let-off is a critical factor in how trustworthy the piano
feels at 
pianissimo playing, which is when the highest demands are made for
consistanty 
in not only aftertouch, but the sudden onset of friction during escapement. 
      I think a well educated finger is capable of leaving an equally 
consistant feel as a weight, which I once used.  I always found I would go
back and 
change some dips from a thinnest tissue up to maybe pink, just to make them 
feel consistant. Not only are we free one less tool, but I think we can
develop 
our sense of touch as fully as we can our sense of tone and pitch. We just
have 
to do the work of using them that way.  
    This is sort of like the difference in aural and machine tuning.  The 
highly developed sensual approach is capable of surpassing  mechanical
results, 
but it takes highly developed ears to hear it, (and be willing to pay for
it).  


regards,

Ed Foote RPT 
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html
 <BR><BR><BR>**************<BR>A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See
yours 
in just 2 easy steps! 
(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1218822736x1201267884/aol?redir=htt
p:%2F%2Fwww.freecreditreport.com%2Fpm%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fsc%
3D668072%26hmpgID%3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62)</HTML>