[pianotech] Key balancing

[Ron Nossaman]

On 12/16/2010 11:16 PM, johnparham at piano88.com wrote:
> Ron,
>
> I seem to run across a lot of spinets whose high treble keys BARELY
> return because of how short they are.

It's not the length, it's the weight distribution. Since C-8 isn't 
notched, it's super front heavy.


>I haven't tried the key gutting
> technique.  The other day I was prepared to to screw a wood screw into
> the back of the key to encourage the geometry, but the situation did not
> require it.

I prefer this to back weighting, because it removes excess weight and 
leaves the entire key lighter, which reduces side friction on the center 
bushing, which makes the key return easier.
Ron N