Euro-style aftertouch

Paul S. Larudee larudee@pacbell.net
Fri, 02 Apr 1999 15:50:40 -0800


harvey wrote:
> 
> List,
> 
> In some Euro pianos, I'm aware of what could be considered "minimal
> aftertouch". Some may be inclined to say none. My first experience was long
> ago with an old Bechstein grand (leather key bushings maybe?). I'm now
> faced with an old Ibach that brings back memories of that Bechstein.
> Jim Harvey, RPT
> Greenwood, SC
> harvey@greenwood.net
> ________________________
>   Greenwood: the land that time forgot.
I cannot imagine an Erard action without aftertouch, although better
parts in better condition and close regulating can reduce it.  Viennese
actions have no aftertouch in the usual sense and can be very responsive
even with single escapement action.  The only double escapement action
that I know of without aftertouch would be the Bluthner action, which
had a 90 degree spring suspending the hammer instead of a
balancier-wippen assembly.  It was a beautifully performing action with
lower inertia than is possible in the Erard type, but needed frequent
regulating of the spring.  Sadly, it was discontinued around 1920,
probably because so few technicians understood how to regulate it that
the existing ones performed badly and got a bad reputation.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has seen it, but I may be the only one
who likes it.

Paul S. Larudee, RPT
Richmond, CA
Richmond, CA


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