One of the limitations of the Rhodes is when the pedal is down and when a key is repeatedly played the note can often deaden or ‘choke’. this is because when the tine is struck by the hammer the tine vibrates in a up and down motion, and when the hammer strikes the tine at […]

Let-off, also known as escapement, is the mechanism of the hammer releasing from the jack and lower action when the key is struck. It is a critical part of the action mechanism, and very influential in the touch and feel of the piano. It is sometimes called ‘set-off’ in the UK. Function: Let-off is designed […]

A jack is the L shaped component that is found in piano actions, and the whip assembly in Wurlitzer pianos. In Wurlitzer pianos, it is commonly known as the fly – but the two terms are interchangable. Function: The jack plays a crucial roll in let-off, a major part of the action process when the […]

The damper regulating screw, also known as the damper screw, is a long flathead/hex screw on the rear side of the whip in a Wurlitzer piano action. Each note has an individual action mechanism that includes this screw. It forms part of the whip assembly. Threaded through the screw is the damper grommet which connects […]

A damper grommet is a small circular rubber grommet found on the damper regulating screw of each note in Wurlitzer pianos. It is either black or grey in colour, depending on the model of Wurlitzer and year of manufacture. It inserts into a the damper lever clip found on the damper arm. Function: The grommet’s […]

A bridle strap or bridle tape is an action part found in upright acoustic pianos and Rhodes pianos. It consists of a fabric strap that has a leather end with a punching in the centre. Its function is to aid in movement of other action parts. Upright Pianos: On upright pianos, one end of the […]

Lost motion refers to the amount of movement that is not transferred between different parts of the piano action when it is engaged. It is usually because a small gap is present between different components. Because the energy is not transferred, it is referred to as ‘lost’. Function: This space is designed between mechanisms to […]

The whip assembly is the lower part of the action of a Wurlitzer piano. It comprises of a jack, damper lever, the whip (known as the wippen in acoustic pianos), and a capstan that connects to the back of the key. This latter part is the adjustment for lost-motion. The role of the whip assembly […]

The hammer butt is the wooden shank that houses the hammer tip on a Wurlitzer piano. Its function is to be pushed by the whip assembly via the jack around a fulcrum point so that it strikes a reed to generate a tone. Afterwards it returns to rest position ready to be struck again. Its […]