Una Corda Adjustments and Christian Zimmermann

Porritt, David dporritt@mail.smu.edu
Wed, 5 Jan 2005 07:04:19 -0600


Ric:

The steep angles you refer to could be a problem if not engineered
properly.  David Steinbuhler has a patented system for the keys in the
bass.  In the treble the lower hammer weight makes this easier to solve.
Underneath the keysticks are straighter arms that take a less severe
angle thus keeping the side play at the balance rail pin to a minimum.
It's difficult to describe but you can see it well at
http://www.steinbuhler.com/Craftsmanship.html  

I've been dealing with these actions here for several years.  I'd
frankly like to get his action stack put on all our Steinways!  The only
part in his action that he gets from Steinway is the sostenuto bar.
Everything else he makes himself.

dave 

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On
Behalf Of Richard Brekne
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 1:56 AM
To: Pianotech
Subject: Re: Una Corda Adjustments and Christian Zimmermann

Been watching this thread with some interest. I've never seen one of 
these, and actually was not aware of its existance. After looking at the

action I was stunned to see the angles in the keys needed to get this to

work. Personally, I have no doubt that pianists can adapt to whatever 
width standard is out there. So long as there is a consistancy in step 
height one will seldom stumble it is said.  But I have to wonder about 
(without this meaning any negative prejudice) these horrific looking key

angles, and how that affects action performance over time.  I wonder if 
any of you with experience out there could speak to that.

As far as the artist temporarilly installing such an action for every 
piano he gives a concert on.... I have to immediatly wonder about 
voicing issues.   The soul impediment must be because he's used to the 
width of the octave.  I cant believe the end response is going to be the

same from instrument to instrument.

Cheers
RicB

Horace Greeley wrote:

>
>> Our piano preparatory department is just now starting to do some
>> experiments with younger students (Elementary age).  We have 3 studio
>> uprights with the 7/8 keyboards in addition to the grand actions.
I'm
>> looking forward to reading the research on this.
>>
>> So far, our experience with the 7/8 actions has been very positive.
>
>
> This is great!  I appreciate the response.  Please do not hear my 
> obvious skepticism as total negativity.  My own exposure to these 
> actions has (obviously) been limited.  I look forward to hearing more!
>
> Best.
>
> Horace
>
>

_______________________________________________
pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives

This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC