HELLO,is there a reason why grand pianos are light-touch than upright pianos and why is it easier controlling the sound when the keys are light touch? thanks
There are a lot of differences between a vertical and a grand action, including key length and the most important difference...a grand hammer falls back from gravity, a vertical hammer returns not as much from gravity as rebounding from springs (both the butt spring and the spring of the felt off the strings), However, regarding your 2nd question, not everyone agrees with you. Friction, not just the lack of it and gravity both have very distinct roles to play in the touch of a piano.
So what is the acceptable limits? I am looking to buy a zimmermann z126 but it feels heavy. I asked the shop person if practicing will help. She said yes. But i am skeptical as she might just want me to buy the piano. I like the sound of the zimmermann over another model which is the kayserburg uh123 with light keys. I am still starting to learn so i dont really know what to choose.
You'll get slightly different answers, but 52 grams downweight is generally considered the upper range of proper weight. However there are a lot of reasons why a piano action might feel "heavy" beyond what the actual touch weight is. Lots of problems with heavy touch is solved by lubricating,easing and regulating but I wouldn't expect that to be needed with a new piano. Trust your instinct...a new piano should feel right..it should not be something you have to "grow" into.
Thanks Eric, just needed a bench mark for the test, i will listen to your advice and do the check on 52grams +/-. by the way do i need to step on any pedal to do the test?
YES!! Touch weight measurement does not include the dampers, so make sure you push the damper pedal down when testing. However, playing DOES include dampers, so just because the touch weight is good, that does not mean the piano will necessarily feel right to you. The final measure is how it feels to you. My advice is always: buy the piano that is the hardest to get up from.
ok thank you Eric. sorry to bother you but just one more question. When I release the keys slowly without removing my fingers, there seems to be a soft knock back from the key, this happens when the key reaches the top. my finger is still on the key. why does this happens?
Clear, concise and brilliantly instructive. Thanks, Eric!
Eric I really am enjoying your videos. Thank you for doing these. Tom
Hey Tom, Sorry I missed this comment. Thanks for the feedback!
GREAT ERIC!!!
HELLO,is there a reason why grand pianos are light-touch than upright pianos and why is it easier controlling the sound when the keys are light touch? thanks
There are a lot of differences between a vertical and a grand action, including key length and the most important difference...a grand hammer falls back from gravity, a vertical hammer returns not as much from gravity as rebounding from springs (both the butt spring and the spring of the felt off the strings),
However, regarding your 2nd question, not everyone agrees with you. Friction, not just the lack of it and gravity both have very distinct roles to play in the touch of a piano.
so because the hammers of the grand piano fall back partly due to gravity,it is eaiser to manipulate the keys? thanks
So what is the acceptable limits? I am looking to buy a zimmermann z126 but it feels heavy. I asked the shop person if practicing will help. She said yes. But i am skeptical as she might just want me to buy the piano. I like the sound of the zimmermann over another model which is the kayserburg uh123 with light keys. I am still starting to learn so i dont really know what to choose.
I will be doing these test this weekend when i am going.
You'll get slightly different answers, but 52 grams downweight is generally considered the upper range of proper weight. However there are a lot of reasons why a piano action might feel "heavy" beyond what the actual touch weight is. Lots of problems with heavy touch is solved by lubricating,easing and regulating but I wouldn't expect that to be needed with a new piano. Trust your instinct...a new piano should feel right..it should not be something you have to "grow" into.
Thanks Eric, just needed a bench mark for the test, i will listen to your advice and do the check on 52grams +/-.
by the way do i need to step on any pedal to do the test?
YES!! Touch weight measurement does not include the dampers, so make sure you push the damper pedal down when testing. However, playing DOES include dampers, so just because the touch weight is good, that does not mean the piano will necessarily feel right to you. The final measure is how it feels to you. My advice is always: buy the piano that is the hardest to get up from.
ok thank you Eric. sorry to bother you but just one more question.
When I release the keys slowly without removing my fingers, there seems to be a soft knock back from the key, this happens when the key reaches the top. my finger is still on the key. why does this happens?