<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> <html> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=ISO-8859-1"> <title></title> </head> <body text="#000000" bgcolor="#ccccff"> Maybe I overlooked it, but what I haven't seen in recent posts on this topic is how the compressibility of the front rail punching affects the aftertouch at different dynamic levels.  With a more highly compressible, less firm punching, the aftertouch changes a lot more drastically through the spectrum of dynamics, from ppp through fff.  If the piano is regulated at a "medium" blow [please don't jump on me for this term, I think it is clear to all who want to understand], the reduction in aftertouch on a very light blow is far more apt to create a problem with a bobbling hammer (than with a firmer punching).  Conversely, on the same note played fff, aftertouch will surely far exceed 1 mm [dip and jack/knuckle clearance] and the chances are good that the jack will bury itself in the jack stop felt. Meanwhile, the pianist is getting completely different tactile feedback from the key at every different dynamic level. (fluctuation in key dip, aftertouch, checking height etc., perhaps even repetition) So the question is: HOW firm do we want the front rail punching to be?  Obviously more firm than a sponge and softer than a stack of cardboard punchings.  But beyond that?  Perhaps as firm as possible without compomising the other duties of this punching, such as to keep key thunk to a minimum.  I have done some simple testing, measuring the thickness of a common (woven) front rail punching and a Crescendo punching with no load compared to being compressed by weight.  In my test, the Crescendo punching compressed  less than half as much as the other one. I can imagine there will be players for whom the feel of the Crescendo punchings may not be "soft" enough, just as there are those who enjoy their "loose action" with wobbling hammers.   For most others, this new punching with its crisp, precise feel will enhance their playing pleasure, if not their performance. Using these punchings will yield a more stable regulation, with an unprecedented definition of aftertouch as well as greater consistency of touch throughout all dynamic playing levels.  And that can't be all bad... Jurgen Goering Piano Forte Supply </body> </html>