More About Regulation

Regulating a piano action means the thorough adjustment of the many parts that make up the piano action. It consists of nearly 20 important steps, all of which affect the other adjustments in turn. By getting the timing and adjustments of all the components correct, plus proper cleaning and lubrication, your piano will feel smooth and responsive, essentially like new. You will be able to play the quietest and loudest dynamics with ease, as well as reliable and quick repetition.

The Process in Detail:

  • Space hammers to strings (each string or set of strings should hit the center of its respective hammer)

  • Space wippens to hammer knuckles (good for positive connection between the parts, even wear, no rubbing against adjacent components)

  • Partial action disassembly (remove action stack and keys)

  • Thorough cleaning of key frame (under the keys)

  • Lubrication of key pins (reduces friction, adds smoothness to touch)

  • Polish brass capstans (on each key stick, reduces friction, adds smoothness to touch)

  • Square the keys (ensure they are not crooked)

  • Space the keys (even spacing between all keys so all gaps equal)

  • Determine proper key dip after setting hammer letoff sample (how close to strings the hammer gets)

  • Adjust key dip

  • Adjust wippen jacks to knuckles (located on underside of hammer shanks)

  • Adjust height of repetition levers in relation to jacks

  • Adjust wippen spring tension (enables quick and reliable repetition)

  • Lubricate knuckles on hammer shanks (using micro-teflon powder, adds a lot of smoothness to touch, eliminates friction and squeaks)

  • Adjust hammer letoff (how close the hammers move to strings before dropping)

  • Adjust hammer drop (how much the hammers drop after getting very close to the strings)

  • Adjust backcheck position (in relation to hammer tails, as hammer tails may have moved with hammer spacing to strings)

  • Adjust hammer checking (where the hammer is caught and held in place by the backchecks at the end of each key)

  • Adjust damper timing (when the dampers start to lift in relation to how far down the keys have been pressed)