[pianotech] Easing Balance Holes : Kawai KG-1E

[Paul Milesi]

I am working on a 1991 Kawai KG-1E (5'4") in a church.  Among other things,
I replaced key bushings.  While easing keys, I realized that the balance
pins are installed perfectly perpendicular to the rail, rather than angled
back.  Should this change my approach to easing the balance hole?  I was
taught to lift the front of the key anywhere from 1/4" to 1" while the back
of the key rests on the back rail, and to ease for free fall of the key.  It
seems to me that on any piano, at some point lifting too far and easing to
allow for a freely falling key will cause chucking (pulley key).  In this
particular case, does having the pins perpendicular require less, or no,
lifting at the front, but rather lifting front and back of the key to check
balance hole fit?

Hoping Don Mannino might be watching....

Paul Milesi RPT
Washington DC
(202) 246-3136 Cell/Text
paul at pmpiano.com
http://www.pmpiano.com