[pianotech] Leveling keys

[David Love]

Not to be disagreeable but I don't think those are functional reasons.  The
difference in the amount of key over the front pin is not significant with
only a 2 mm rise in the middle.  Also, assuming the aftertouch is set
uniformly to begin with then whether the keys are level or curved the
aftertouch will diminish as the keys settle in the middle.  

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: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 6:02 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Leveling keys

Joe writes: 
<< Steinways key cover is straight, as well. Why do they advocate a curved 
keyboard??? I have asked and NO ONE has ever told me: #1 when that policy 
started. #2 why that policy started. #3 what advantage, if any, this would
do. 
When they come up with a rationale, (yeah, like that's going to happen!), 
reason...I'll keep setting them keys FLAT/LEVEL/Parallel! >>

Greetings, 
    One reason is that if the keybed and keyframe are curved, you have to 
level the keys in a similar fashion
if you want them to all be sitting over the same amount of front pin. 
    Another is that worn keyboards all seem to have a reverse curve to the 
key level, so beginning them with a slight curve upwards will maintain 
usuable amounts of aftertouch longer than if they were flat. 
      There, that is two functional reasons.     

regards, 

Ed Foote RPT 
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html
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