<html> <body> Hi Joe,              I have no doubt that key whip is a factor, but I think the primary reason is hammer shank flex, after overcoming the moment of Inertia. Swagging down extreme treble hammer shanks, to take advantage of the whip effect is proof positive, on the effect of tone and a bending shank. Regards Roger. At 06:29 PM 4/2/2005, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""> Andre' said: "I am sure the wippen plays a role in this but does it not play the same=20= role as before? the role of a mediator? It is the punching that causes the extra energy, not the wippen"   Andre', The way that it makes sense to me, is that the key flexes and has a certain amount of "whip", (i.e. stored energy). Yes the wippen is the mediator, but when it recognizes more energy, it responds in kind.<G> Therefore, if the stored energy of the key is Suddenly let loose, the first thing to react to it, is the wippen. Which in turn makes the hammer/shank move faster. Which increases the amount of sound produced with the same amount of force as a measure, so to speak. As for the clarity of tone, derived, I'd say that the "sudden" stop causes this in some way. Possibly focusing the energy. Any how, it works and it is clear to me that the punching is the reason. THAT, is really all I care about. The rest of the suppositions is just more yada yada, IMO. Best Regards, Joe Garrett, R.P.T. Captain, Tool Police Squares R I</blockquote></body> </html>