Bechstein grand spread dimension,

[Stéphane Collin]

Hi Isaac.

As far as I know, a Bechstein of 2 meter is either a model V (before 1902 or so, with fish tail) or a model B (after 1902 or so, with round tail).
I have always considered as standard for Bechstein : 
Key height 64 mm
Sharp height 12 mm
Hammer blow 47 mm 
let off 3mm in bass tapered to 1 mm in trebble
key dip 10 mm
back check distance 13 mm
Then, for spread (and you can tell me if I am right doing so), I regulate the jack position so it matches exactly the tiny line on the repetition lever, and regulate the spread so that the jack is perfectly in a straight line with the core of the knuckles.  I seldom have to change the earlier setting, which proves to be more than often very accurate, even in earlyer models.
But this is another question, what do you consider being too much an aftertouch, how do you diagnose this ? By watching the jack travel in the repetition lever ?  By feeling at the key when the letoff occurs ?  When do you declare satisfied with an aftertouch ?  Wouldn't you prefer changing the hammer blow instead of the key dip to achieve this ?
I had no crucial problems, until now, with standard values and Bechstein pianos.  I have the feeling that Bechstein specifications have been very consistent through the years (even the early ones).  And I feel too much aftertouch, while very agreable for touch feel, is contradictory with good repetition.  I am still searching for the best compromise, and how to achieve it.  What do you think about it ?

With great respect,

Stéphane Collin.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Isaac OLEG" <oleg-i@wanadoo.fr>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, September 15, 2002 10:06 PM
Subject: Bechstein grand spread dimension,


| dear listers,
| 
| Do someone have an idea of the spread dimension on grand Bechstein mod
| C (2M) . I service one that shows a 113.5 mm spread and I feel it is
| compressed yet, with too much after touch even at 47mm blow 9.5 mm
| dip.
| 
| Because of the 9mm hammers regulation is of course more sensitive, but
| I'd appreciate the info without having to ask Bechstein and pay a $50
| fee for this simple question. The whippen rail is not shimmed or
| stopped by nothing but screws, so it could possibly have moved a very
| little (a few tenths of mm may be).
| 
| "standard" regulation dimension could be useful too.
| 
| Thanks in advance.
| 
| Regards.
| 
| Isaac OLEG
| 
|