Key spacing is a part of keyboard regulation of acoustic and electric pianos. It is the process of adjusting the key so they are even in distance from each other. This applies to all keys but is more noticeable in the white keys. For acoustic pianos, Rhodes, and Wurlitzer pianos, key spacing forms one of […]

Side play refers to the side-to-side movement, rocking, or ‘wiggle’ that occurs on keys when the key bushings have loosened over time. Adjusting it is a part of keyboard regulation along with key spacing, key squaring, and key height and key dip adjustment. On new pianos there should be very little side play of the […]

A front rail pin is a metal pin that is inserted into the front rail. Its purpose is to catch and support the key when the key has been pressed. They are usually made of nickel plated steel, and are oval shaped. When the key is pressed the pin enters the front of the key […]

On acoustic and electric pianos, the front rail is a horizontal wooden rail that sits underneath the front point of the keys. It houses the front rail pins, metal pins that the keys are inserted into. The front rail and pins acts as a catcher for the key when it is pressed, reducing its side […]

A balance rail pin is a metal pin that is inserted into the balance rail. Its purpose is to house the key and act as a pivot for when the key is pressed. They are usually made of nickel plated steel, and are circular in shape. The key is inserted into the balance rail via […]

On acoustic and electric pianos, the balance rail is a horizontal wooden rail that sits underneath the centre point of the keys. It houses the balance rail pins, metal pins that the keys are inserted into. The balance rail acts as a pivot point as the musician presses the key – making it a critical […]

The key bed is the base layer of wood that the keyboard assembly rests on. It consists of either a fixed or removable action that houses the front rail and balance rail, and thus the balance rail pins and front rail pins. The position of the keys on the key bed has a significant effect […]

Key dip is the amount of distance the key travels when it is pressed. This is adjusted by adding or removing punchings at the front rail, or by shimming the keybed. At rest the height of the key is set by adjusting the key height at the balance rail. From this the amount of dip […]