Musical Instruments Showcase

Piano Mechanism Action

Mar 7, 2010 Pianos
Posted by admin

Is true that the piano keys feels different between the left keys and the right keys?

I don’t note any difference between the keys when I press it. But I read that some electronic keyboards simulate this feel. I quote the manual of the Yamaha DGX-620: “the keys of the lower notes have a heavier touch, while the higher ones are more responsive to lighter playing” (http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/0,,CNTID%25253D451231%252526CTID%25253D205200%252526RLTID%25253D590%252526DETYP%25253DRELATION,00.html#)

My first guest is that the action mechanism (in a real grand piano) of the keys is the same in all the keys.

I search the internet for this answer but I don’t find any difference between the action keys.

Can somebody tell me if this true, and if it is, why?

Yes, though the keys are weighted the same, the inertia by the mass of the hammer is different throughout the keyboard’s range. The amount of felt on the hammers is continuously tapered from the bass to the treble where the lowest A has a good centimeter of felt and the highest c has nearly no felt at the tip.

The difference may not be perceptible to you, but it definitely does exist.

Piano playing mechanisms;: Being a treatise on the design and construction of the pneumatic action of the player-piano and of the reproducing piano, …

Piano Playing Mechanisms: A treatise on the design and Construction of the Pneumatic Action of the Player Piano and of the Reproducing Piano (Illustrated) …

Modern piano tuning and allied arts: Including principles and practice of piano tuning, regulation of piano action, repair of the piano, elementary principles … mechanisms, and repair of player mechanism …

Kalimba, Small $24 Rosewood thumb piano, 3″ x 5″, 8 steel keys.

Pearl Limited Edition 13×9 Birch Snare Drum $279.99 Limited Edition Snare Drum with a 6-ply 14″ x 9″ Birch shell in a Piano Black finish.

Pearl Limited Edition 14×7 Maple Snare Drum $524.99 Limited Edition Snare Drum with a 6-ply 14″ x 7″ Maple shell in a Piano Black finish.

Gibraltar Super Hi-Hat Clutch SC-4420S $8.99 The Gibraltar SC4420S Hi-Hat Clutch uses a ‘Super Grip’ clamping mechanism which won’t scar the hi-hat pull rod. It’s advanced design provides better access to the bell and easier butterfly nut adjustment. Made of high-grade steel and super-dense felt for durability. Fits any 8mm rod.

DW Pacific PDP SS700 Snare Drum Stand $49.95 The SS700 Snare Drum Stand from Pacific Drums by DW features an advanced precision shell-gripping mechanism with perfect angle adjustment and double-braced legs with heavy, non-skid rubber feet. This very affordable PDP snare stand provides quick, easy, stable height adjustment for almost any application.

Pearl H1000K Pully Drive HiHat Stand $161.99 Pearl’s NEW H-1000K Hi-Hat stand offers most of the features of the H-1000 but with a pulley drive system for extra light action for those preferring this feel.

Gibraltar Intruder Direct Drive Single Bass Drum Pedal $119.99 The Gibraltar Intruder Direct Drive Single Bass Drum Pedal has a seamless fast responsive feel. Pedal board height adjustment independent of spring tension or beater angle. Fast Rocker hub spring assembly with die cast bearing “Spring Ring”. Quick-Release ROCK (stabilizer) plates with Velcro.Dual Surface, balanced, self-aligning beater with non-slip memory lock mechanism (Pat no 117,437). Case hardened U-joints on double bass pedals. Comes with fully padded carrying bag (GSPCB).

Gibraltar Intruder Double Chain Cam Single Bass Drum Pedal $119.99 The Gibraltar Intruder Double Chain Cam Single Bass Drum Pedal provides a solid powerful feel. Pedal board height adjustment independent of spring tension or beater angle. Fast Rocker hub spring assembly with die cast bearing “Spring Ring”. Quick-Release ROCK (stabilizer) plates with Velcro. Dual Surface, balanced, self-aligning beater with non-slip memory lock mechanism (Pat no 117,437). Case hardened U-joints on double bass pedals. Comes with fully padded carrying bag (GSPCB).

Gibraltar Intruder Double Chain Cam Double Bass Drum Pedal $269.99 The Gibraltar Intruder Double Chain Cam Double Bass Drum Pedal provides a solid powerful feel. Pedal board height adjustment independent of spring tension or beater angle. Fast Rocker hub spring assembly with die cast bearing “Spring Ring”. Quick-Release ROCK (stabilizer) plates with Velcro. Dual Surface, balanced, self-aligning beater with non-slip memory lock mechanism (Pat no 117,437). Case hardened U-joints on double bass pedals. Comes with fully padded carrying bag (GDPCB).

Gibraltar Prowler Single Chain Single Bass Drum Pedal $59.99 Gibraltar Prowler Single Chain Single Bass Drum Pedals were designed to be clean and simple with quick response. Single chain CAM drive action gives fast response in a simple design.

Gibraltar Prowler Single Chain Double Bass Drum Pedal $149.99 The 5611DB Gibraltar Prowler Single Chain Double Bass Drum Pedal features a single chain CAM drive action for fast response in a simple design. Prowler pedals were designed to be clean and simple with quick response.

Gibraltar Intruder Strap Drive Single Bass Drum Pedal $119.99 The Gibraltar Intruder 9611-SD Strap Drive Single Bass Drum Pedal is like playing on air – a simple, fast feel. Pedal board height adjustment independent of spring tension or beater angle. Fast Rocker hub spring assembly with die cast bearing “Spring Ring”. Quick-Release ROCK (stabilizer) plates with Velcro. Dual Surface, balanced, self-aligning beater with non-slip memory lock mechanism (Pat no 117,437). Case hardened U-joints on double bass pedals. Comes with fully padded carrying bag (GSPCB).

Gibraltar Intruder Strap Drive Double Bass Drum Pedal $269.99 The Gibraltar Intruder Strap Drive Double Bass Drum Pedal is like playing on air – a simple, fast feel. Pedal board height adjustment independent of spring tension or beater angle. Fast Rocker hub spring assembly with die cast bearing “Spring Ring”. Quick-Release ROCK (stabilizer) plates with Velcro. Dual Surface, balanced, self-aligning beater with non-slip memory lock mechanism (Pat no 117,437). Case hardened U-joints on double bass pedals. Comes with fully padded carrying bag (GDPCB).

CB 20 Note Resonator Bells w/Molded Case $189 Black and white baked enamel finish bars correlate to piano keyboard. Electronically tuned bars include stamped pitch letter names with enharmonic sharps/flats. Bars individually mounted on molded plastic resonator chamber. ABS molded plastic case with contoured interior securely holds individual bell chambers in place.

CB 25 Note Resonator Bells w/Molded Case $199 Black and white baked enamel finish bars correlate to piano keyboard. Electronically tuned bars include stamped pitch letter names with enharmonic sharps/flats. Bars individually mounted on molded plastic resonator chamber. ABS molded plastic case with contoured interior securely holds individual bell chambers in place.

LP Compact Conga Mounting System $109.99 The Latin Percussion Compact Conga Mounting System is a simple and functional mounting system (bracket) for your LP Giovanni Compact Congas. Integrate compact congas into any complex drum set or multi-percussion setup using any standard stand. Just securely position your individual or set of two compact congas onto your stand with this specially designed bracket.The mounting system features chrome-plated steel construction and includes a tilting mechanism for optimum positioning of your compact congas. It will adapt to various racks and stands and, once setup, you can confidently play your portable congas with your hands or with sticks. The entire mounting system can be assembled in less than 5 minutes and is easy to disassemble for maximum mobility.Congas and stand not included.

DW 6500 Flush-Base Hihat Stand $129.99 The 6500 Hi-Hat Stand incorporates a low profile, aluminum leg flush-base design and features offset direct pull action, spring adjustment, integrated memory lock, built-in spurs, superior quality American-Made felts and standard locking hi-hat clutch.

Shure SM81 Studio Condenser Instrument Microphone w/Storage Bag $349 The Shure Model SM81 is a high-quality, unidirectional condenser microphone designed for studio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement. Its wide frequency response, low noise characteristics, and low RF susceptibility have made it a standard for applications involving acoustic instruments, especially guitar, piano, and cymbals. The SM81 is ruggedly constructed. It operates on phantom power and performs over a wide range of temperatures and humidity conditions. It is furnished with a swivel adapter, attenuator-switch lock, foam windscreen, and case for carrying and storage.

Pearl H2000 PowerShifter Eliminator Hi-Hat Stand $229.95 The Pearl H2000 PowerShifter Eliminator Hi-Hat Stand features an advanced, dual chain, cam drive system with two rotatable legs and four cams, allowing total control for you to tailor the pedal’s action to your taste. The H2000 Hi Hat Stand from Pearl Drums and Percussion – advanced, sturdy, easy to position – a true workhorse.

Gibraltar Avenger II Double Chain Single Bass Drum Pedal $79.99 The Gibraltar Avenger II Double Chain Single Bass Drum Pedal delivers fast, solid, double CAM action with simple execution. These Avenger pedals have two bearings per drive system; four on double pedals. Easy Key access adjustable hoop clamp, adjustable spring tension and ROCK stabalizer plates with Velcro base give a solid balanced feel.

DW 8002 Double Bass Drum Pedal $419.99 The DW 8002 Double Bass Drum Pedal offers performance and durability of Drum Workshop, along with the versatility and power with an adjustable chain or strap drive cam and fixed sprocket-less cam on a lightweight aluminum hex shaft. This is a serious pedal with top-notch features and terrific power and action for demanding players. Includes a striking polished-steel diamond base plate and sleek black components.

CB 20-Note Chromatic Bells with Bag $76.95 CB Percussion 20-Note Chromatic Bells with Bag has perfectly tuned bars with piano-like black sharp keys and white natural notes-with lettered, backed enamel finish, duo-tone mallets and zippered nylon bag included, tamped pitch letter names with enharmonic sharps/flats.Electronically tuned wide bars provide accurate pitch and easier performance, neoprene bar mounting on all models increases bar resonance and is maintenance free, ABS endplates enhance durability. Supplied with a zippered nylon carry bag with shoulder strapIncludes duo-tone double-ended mallets, 1.5 octaves, C6 – G7, with carry bag, weight: 4 lbs.

Pearl Joey Jordison Signature Snare Drum $249.99 The new JJ-1355 Joey Jordison signature snare drum features a 13? x 6.5? 1 mm steel shell that can be best described as a “power piccolo” with the high pitch and bite of a piccolo with the body and depth of a 6.5? for the kind of power you expect from Joey. Black Super Hoops and Masters double ended lugs compliment the black shell decorated with Slipknot logos repeated around the shell. The drum?s SR-017 strainer features a vertical pull action for ideal snare-to-head contact using minimal tension and results in superior snare response at all playing levels.

Pearl Joey Jordison Red Signature Snare Drum $349.99 This exclusively distributed Joey Jordison Signature JJ-1365RD Snare Drum from Pearl features a 13″ x 6-1/2″ 1mm steel shell that has the high-pitched bite of a piccolo combined with the full, fat tone of a deep snare. Black Super Hoops and Masters double-ended lugs complement the red to black fade shell decorated with a Pearl badge with Joey Jordison’s signature. The Pearl snare’s SR-017 strainer features a vertical pull action for ideal snare-to-head contact using minimal tension and results in superior snare response at all playing levels.

Pearl P121TW PowerShifter Conversion Double Pedal $209.95 The P-121TW PowerShifter Conversion Double Pedal is an add-on that converts the P-120P single pedal into a right footed double pedal. The patented Power-Shifter function that allows the footboard to be moved to three positions for light, regular, and heavy feel.True Round Cam for smooth linear feel and balanced action. Chain Drive for speed and durability. PowerShifter allows the footboard to move forward or backward to three presets to change the leverage of the pedal and thus the feel from light, normal, or heavy. Beater Angle Adjustment allows infinite angling of the beater for perfect positioning. Duo Beat Beater features a plastic (hard) and felt (soft) face for added versatility (like getting two beaters in one).

Pearl C1000 Uni-Lock Tilter Cymbal Stand $89.99 New Pearl Advanced Hardware includes the C-1000 cymbal stand. For the first time, features once unattainable for products in this category are now offered to provide the ultimate in performance, durability and ergonomic action. Designed with the studio musician in mind, meticulous care has been taken to make each component solid, sturdy, and most of all, silent! New Uni-Lock Tilter – The C-1000’s tilter is newly designed with new cosmetics and features but still retains Pearl’s famous Uni-Lock tilt function that allows infinitely adjustability for ultra precise and pinpoint cymbal positioning. Pearl’s new WingLoc WL-200 (Patent Pending) makes old fashion wingnuts a bleak memory with its snap on, snap off ease of use. Whereas traditional wingnuts have to be manually unscrewed or screwed tighter, the WingLoc just slides onto a cymbal holder and snaps together to hold the cymbal firmly in a matter of seconds. As well as being easier and quicker to use, the WingLoc also banishes into the past the usually problem of wingnuts flying off and being lost and also does away with the need for plastic cymbal protection sleeves.

Pearl H2000 PowerShifter Eliminator HiHat Stand $197.99 The H-2000 joins the Eliminator family with many of the same key characteristics of its sibling the Eliminator bass drum pedal, of which are first time features on a hi-hat! The most notable is the Interchangeable Cam Drive System. This key component offers four separate interchangeable cams in the likeness of our Eliminator bass drum pedal, all of which can be switched quickly, and easily to create a specific action or desired feel. Also included is the “VariSet” Pull Cam fully adjustable it works in conjunction with the Interchangeable Cam Drive. Its Primary job is to provide footboard height adjustment, but foremost it offers the ability to choose the section of the cam lobe to be used during the stroke greatly affecting the feel. Together this is the PosiLink Twin Cam Drive System offering you complete control over the H-2000 hi-hat. Also included; the PowerShifter heel adjustment; TractionPlate footboard; SuperGrip clutch; Precision Spring Tension dial; Reversible Spike/ Rubber feet; and a swiveling Dual Leg base, all combined allow you a virtual tailors-fit of this hihat to your own individual style.

Fender® CD 100CE LH Left-Hand Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar $329.99 The CD100CE Acoustic-Electric brings Fender quality to just about anybody. Delivering great playability, great sound and great looks, the CD100CE LH (left-handed version) features the Fender-designed dreadnought cutaway shape with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, scalloped bracing, 20-fret rosewood fingerboard, rosewood bridge with compensated saddle, chrome die-cast tuners, satin polyurethane finish and a Fender FTE-3TN preamp with tuner.Model Name: CD100CE LH (Left Handed)Model Number: 096-1026-021Series: Classic Design SeriesBody Style: Fender® Style Dreadnought, Single Cutaway Acoustic / ElectricColors: (021) NaturalFinish: Satin, (Polyurethane)Top: Laminated SpruceBracing: Scalloped X BracingBack and Sides: Laminated MahoganyNeck: NatoFingerboard: RosewoodNo. of Frets: 20Bridge: Rosewood with Compensated SaddleMachine Heads: Chrome, (Die-Cast)Electronics: Fender FTE3-TN Active On-Board Preamp which Features:Built In Chromatic Tuner, Volume, Bass, Mid, TrebleScale Length: 25.3″ (643mm)Body Depth: 3.94″ (100mm) to 4.92″ (125mm)Width at Nut: 1.69″ (43mm)Width at Heel: 2.24″ (57mm)Unique Features: Dual Action Truss Rod,Dot Position InlaysStrings: D’Addario® EXP-26 Phosphor Bronze, Gauges .011 to .052Accessories: NoneIntroduced: 1/2006

Fender® DG-8S Acoustic Guitar Value Pack $199.99 Fender’s most popular acoustic guitar package, the DG-8 S features a dreadnought acoustic guitar with a solid spruce top, a gig bag, chromatic electronic tuner, pack of strings, an instructional DVD, picks and a strap. This is a quality starter pack with everything you need that’ll have you playing in no time!Free Gig Bag, Multi-Language Instructional DVD, Strings, Tuner, Picks includedModel Name: DG8S Solid Top Value PackModel Number: 095-0801-100Series: Dreadnought Guitar SeriesBody Style: DreadnoughtColors: (100) NaturalFinish: Gloss PolyurethaneTop: Solid SpruceBracing: X BracingBack and Sides: Laminated MahoganyNeck: NatoFingerboard: RosewoodNo. of Frets: 20Bridge: Rosewood with Compensated SaddleMachine Heads: Chrome (Covered)Electronics: NoneScale Length: 25.3″ (643mm)Body Depth: 3.94″ (100mm) to 4.92″ (125mm)Width at Nut: 1.69″ (43mm)Width at Heel: 2.24″ (57mm)Unique Features: Dual Action Truss Rod,White Dot Position Inlays,Simple Black/White Body Binding,Silkscreened Logo,White Plastic Nut and Saddle,Black Pickguard Strings: D’Addario® EXP-26 Phosphor Bronze, Gauges .011 to .052Accessories: Includes: Gig Bag, Multi-Language Instructional DVD, Strings, Tuner, PicksIntroduced: 1/2003

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