Expressive variety

Dear Davide,

I take the liberty of saying that it is a rather limiting and fundamentally, in my opinion, incorrect statement. Every project, every keyboard has its weight limit. I am talking about the downweight of the keys. There must be a proper ratio between the downweight and the relative let-off/return weight of the key (approximately 2.5). In particular, starting from the bass, the return weight must not be less than 20 gr + or - any value. From this, the minimum downweight must be derived. In some instruments, therefore, such weight can be 47 gr as in Steinway models, up to 50-55. The return weight must not be too low in an attempt to create a lighter keyboard. Conversely, the downweight must not be excessive in an attempt to create a higher return. Furthermore, if this ratio is skewed, it can depend on the friction coefficient of the action, which must not exceed certain values. Creating a heavier keyboard means increasing the masses and therefore modifying the inertia. It is preferable to have an instrument that, with a low downweight, measures a notable and above all "rapid" return weight. This good ratio between the two weights will favor repetition and the "ease" of the action.

From a technical-pianistic point of view, a heavier or even "weighted" keyboard upon request will not favor a good development of expressivity and a good growth of the "pianistic gesture". The main objective of developing technical skill is to have both small and large muscles tension-free. Overweighting the keyboard, believing that one is "building muscle" and becoming more expressive is, in my opinion and not mine alone, an erroneous path. Furthermore, a heavier keyboard does not favor the development and understanding of the micro-movements of fast technique.

On the contrary, a keyboard that is too lightened could distort the return weight and make some passages even more difficult or impossible to perform at a certain speed.

This is an attention that must be paid when, for example, a hammer assembly is replaced, which must be of identical weight and shape, especially in the grand piano.

The quality of being expressive also depends, for an action, on the correct ratio between the hammer-string distance and the key dip, and on the preparation of the regulation and the voicing of the hammer.

This is my idea.

I invite you to watch, if you wish, my video tutorials on piano technology and piano technique. I have certainly treated the subject, albeit synthetically. You can look for my other posts, if you wish. I believe I have already spoken about it. It is an important and recurring topic.

Ciao Paolo

Thank you Paolo, I was actually interested in understanding if in some way a heavier keyboard can give the pianist the possibility of having greater expressivity. BUT I would say the answer is no, according to your exhaustive response. I will take advantage of what you have written here and in other topics, in relation to the down and return weights: are these initially calibrated by the manufacturing company?

Thank you

Davide

Yes. The House balances and declares in the specifications the values that must be respected.