So, I have a refurbished 1985 Kawai NS-35 upright piano (so the interior is from 6-7 years ago).
My problem is that the keys are "hard" in the sense that it's impossible to play piano and pianissimo even at not very high speeds. The strange thing is that when pressing the pedal, a string [sic - likely meaning 'the pedal'], the key becomes much lighter, actually allowing for a much, much more controlled and delicate touch. Now I know that the soft pedal (una corda) is used to give a more muted timbre (and helps with pianissimos), but that it lightens the entire keyboard??
Anyway, the questions are: can the tuner do something about the heavy keys? Is it normal for everything to become lighter with the una corda?
Thanks in advance!
P
Pianoaccordatore
Reply 2 by Pianoaccordatore
Hi Naxx,
a "hard" keyboard is a warning bell of excessive friction.
Generally, the Kawai has a slightly heavy keyboard, but it should not exceed 55 grams.
When weighing the keyboard, the engagement of the dampers can also have an effect; if these begin to move as soon as you press the key, then you will have a slightly more robust keyboard.
However, the first check must be for friction.
Ps: to play the piano pianissimo, good regulation of the mechanism is very important, and in particular the escapement point of the hammer from the string.
I had the same problem on my Kawai grand piano. Very heavy keyboard. Paolo proceeded to change all the center pins, dry lubricate all friction points, and regulate the action. The keyboard returned to being like new, changed from overnight... It is then necessary to discuss one's dissatisfactions at length with the technician for the purpose of a good regulation. Finally, I am now able to play pianissimo on my piano; you will see that it will be the same for you...
Also because otherwise in Chopin's nocturne, without the 1C for practically the whole piece, it would turn out to be a mess, the left hand would be very marked and it wouldn't sound good at all...
Ps. But how much would something like that cost + eventual tuning (it hasn't been tuned for 7 years, but it doesn't even seem that out of tune to me in a recording.. well, surely it will be out of tune, I must have gotten used to it).
After 7 years, I truly believe so, considering that the piano is considered (strictly speaking) already out of tune after a few performances... Let alone after 7 years. I wouldn't be able to tell you the cost of the service; you need to inquire with a technician or ask one here on the forum.
