<html> <body> Jurgen, At 11:04 PM 9/2/2004, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>I  have never understood the use of thick (up to 1/8") balance rail puncings in North American pianos. The thicker the punching, I believe, the more problems you have with  unstable regulation - key level, key dip, blow distance (on grands) etc.  Not to mention the loss of power as the punching compresses under the force of a note being played ff or fff. European pianos almost always have thin balance rail punchings.   The preferred punchings are made out of 1.1 mm (.044") bushing cloth.  See my web site:  <a href="http://www.pianofortesupply.com/felt2.html">http://www.pianofortesupply.com/felt2.html</a>  In cases where these are not thick enough, thick paper punchings are used to bring the key up to the proper height. A good rule to follow when levelling keys is to use no more than four paper punchings, with no more than two of the same thickness.</blockquote> Yes to all of the above, especially the last bit...makes for much greater stability. The thick BR punchings came into use not only because they were (supposed to be) faster (in that, if too high, they could easily be compressed); but also, and in some settings, more importantly, because that location was perceived as being a source of too much noise with thinner punchings.  No, I know it doesn't really hold any water...but, that was the reasoning. Nice site, by the way!  Thanks! Best. Horace <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>Jurgen Goering Piano Forte Supply <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite> Subject: Balance rail felt From: V T <a href="mailto:pianovt@yahoo.com"><pianovt@yahoo.com></a> Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2004 15:49:39 -0700 (PDT) To: <a href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">pianotech@ptg.org</a> <pre>Hello List, If anyone has done a survey of balance rail felt punchings, could you please let me know who is selling the thinnest, hardest ones (as little compression as possible).  Thanks! Vladan   </pre></blockquote></blockquote></body> </html>