Whippen support springs

[David Ilvedson]

Isn't there an alternative to lead?  I realize steel doesn't wear as much and rusts...;-[   A compromise with some weight and some spring seems the best....

David I.

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: Ric Brekne <ricbrek@broadpark.no>
To: pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
Received: Thu, 28 Apr 2005 14:50:58 +0100
Subject: Whippen support springs


>Hi Jack.

>Like em or not, me thinks we are going to see a whale of a lot more of 
>them at least in Europe. Thats because in a couple years now lead in 
>keys will be forbidden by law.  Alternatives are magnetic schemes like 
>my own open source design, or some of the patented ones that some few 
>factories have.

>One of the backdraws is there proximity to where a voicing block is to 
>be inserted. Not usually the easiest of things to do if one wants to 
>avoid changing the tension on the springs whilst still using a voicing 
>block.  There are some touch concerns that are argued back and forth. As 
>usual, there is much opinion and less hard facts on the subject, but I 
>think its fair to say the use of springs provides a different touch then 
>use of leaded keys.

>A leadless key is certainly possible however.  More then likely one 
>would opt for fairly light hammers in the case. But its a doable within 
>acceptable touch parameters.  I personally prefer a more mass based 
>system... but thats just me.

>Cheers
>RicB


>Jack writes

>I would like to know some things about wippen support springs. Who uses >them?  Do companies still continue to use them?  Should they be removed? >I know they make key weighting difficult.=20

>Jack Houweling


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