Clavichord actions

[David Porritt]

I had to tune (and replace a couple of strings) on our school's
clavichord yesterday.  I have a question about the action.  I must admit
I don't know the correct terminology so I have to use the comparable
piano terms.  On this instrument there is a lot of "after touch."  After
the tangent hits the string the key goes down a lot farther.  This
naturally changes the pitch, which raises the question do you tune it so
it's in tune when the tangent touches the string, or when the key is at
the bottom.  With this one, there is so much travel after string contact
that the pitch varries a lot.  I know it's desirable to be able to make
some vibrato but this instrument would make an opera singer jealous.

How much key travel should there be after the tangent touches the
string?  Are there other important parameters in the set up of this "action?"

Dave Porritt
SMU - Dallas