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Joined: Aug 2007
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I've read numerous times on various threads that one of the reasons that larger grands have better actions than smaller grands is that they have longer keys.
Is there any publications which tell you how the length of the keys varies over a particular range of grands from manufacturers e.g. the Yamaha C series or the Kawai RX series?
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Joined: Dec 2008
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Feel of the action and touch have many factors.. all of which vary considerably from piano to piano. This biggest reason for the added length in keys is this: The distance from the front tip of the key to the balance pin (fulcrum) creates more of a uniform touch for the pianist. Whether played at the front of the key or toward the back between the sharps, to the player the key will feel more uniform wherever played.
I hope I described that clearly. Unsure of any publication. Generally grand keys are about 24" in length (give or take).. varying some between manufacturers.
Marcus
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The longer the grand the longer the key. This is because as the string gets longer, the strike point moves towards the back of the piano. The front stays the same so the stack has to be placed farther back and the keys get longer.
Keith Roberts Keith's Piano Service Hathaway Pines,Ca
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Thanks Keith, but that's the bit I already know.
Is there any way to find out exactly how much longer the keys get as the piano gets longer?
And compare the lengths of different brands key lengths to see if there are any noticeable differences from brand to brand?
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Not that I know of. Some pianos like the S&S D have longer keys in the bass. The belly rail is not parallel to the key slip
Keith Roberts Keith's Piano Service Hathaway Pines,Ca
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Originally posted by Glaswegian: And compare the lengths of different brands key lengths to see if there are any noticeable differences from brand to brand? The differences would be small and insignificant in comparison to the overall action geometry, regulation and voicing of the various pianos. I say let it go - it is a non issue.
JG
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"... it is a non issue." Supply
That gets my vote for best answer yet. Any difference in length has to be evaluated along with the placement of the balance rail to keep a standard key dip. Parts quality and geometry is where the real differences in grand actions exist.
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I will add from the player's perspective that it depends a great deal more on regulation and so on than on key length. I played a 1972 or so S&S D that had not been regulated for a long time. It was a horrible playing experience, especially compared to the perfectly prepped C&A D in the same room.
I've played baby grands with shorter keys that offered better control than that 1972 D.
FWIW, that D is now undergoing a complete rebuild.
Close only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades, and nuclear weapons.
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