Regulation is an important aspect of maintenance for EVERY PIANO.A piano's action is comprised of every mechanism that connects the tip of your finger to the sounding piano string- and even the dampers and back action that stop the sound. Regulation is the adjustment of the mechanical aspects of the piano to compensate for the effects of wear, the compacting and settling of cloth, felt and buckskin, as well as dimensional changes in wood and wool parts due to changes in humidity. It is provided as a service to piano owners. There are a lot of determining factors here, such as how much the instrument is played, and the climate conditions in the area. Piano regulation involves the fine setting and adjustment of all the parts of the action, keys and pedals in order to compensate for wear, compacting and vesting of felt and leather, as well as dimensional changes in wooden and felt parts due to humidity and temperature changes. Having a piano properly regulated will allow a piano to play at it's best performance. Always a joy to work with. Welcome to the Piano World Piano Forums Over 3 million posts about pianos, digital pianos, and all types of keyboard instruments. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. The best way to answer this is to get in touch with a professional piano technician and have them evaluate the piano to decide how frequently you may need to regulate. Aftertouch is an adjustment that we do not adjust directly. Tools Included: 5" Combination Tool Handle. As a conscientious piano owner, you probably have your piano tuned regularly by a qualified technician. Reputable retailers sometimes do the necessary regulation prior to selling, but others do not. If I Have My Piano Tuned Regularly, Why Do I Need To Have It Regulated? If your piano displays a lack of sensitivity, or a decreased dynamic range; Upright Piano Regulation A Service Manual . There are three system involved in the regulation process: the action, the trapwork and the damper system. If your instrument displays a lack of sensitivity or a decreased dynamic ranges, it's a candidate for regulation. Properly maintained, your piano will sound its best and give you and your family a lifetime of enjoyment. Get in touch with one of our Piano technicians today and set up a regulation schedule! In other words, all 88 keys should have an equal touch when playing no key should be harder or softer than another; no key should be higher or lower than another; the response must be identical for all keys. Leveling the keys. Regulations are simply just adjusting the mechanical parts of the piano to compensate for wear and tear or commonly done post-repairs. Spinet pianos should not be regulated. What is Action Regulation? Quick View + Piano Hammer Butt Plate Inserter. It was built in 1986, 48 inches tall. Your piano also requires a periodic servicing called regulation, which attends to the mechanical parts which cause strings to sound when keys are played and affect the sound through use of the pedals. The trapwork are the levers, dowels and springs that connect the pedals to the action. 2. The piano action has over 8000 moving parts and fulfils the same role in a piano as an engine does in a car. carol, Hi Robert Sun Valley $295. Ask your technicianto show you what needs adjustment on your piano. Frequency of regulation is dependent on a variety of things, including how often your piano is used, exposure to climate changes, the pianos quality, the age of the piano, and how well its maintained. If your piano has not been tuned for some time, it is quite likely that the instrument is below pitch overall. But the piano technician also engages in another type of tuning - regulation. It is a tedious task that includes adjusting: dampers hammers pedals key heights and more (I defer to a technician for a more comprehensive list ). The basic explanation of regulation is getting an evenness of touch for all of the keys on the piano. As a conscientious piano owner, you probably have your piano tuned regularly by a qualified technician. The adjustments of your piano action related to touch have not been attended to recently and are causing the piano to be less than responsive. You and the technician are the only persons who can decide on how often the piano should be regulated. As a piano is played, its mechanical parts wear and shift out of alignment with each other. Replies to my comments A concert tuning encompasses not only making sure the tuning is pure but making sure it will stay in tune! If, after having read the above information, you feel that the playability of your piano may be improved by regulation, please feel free to contact me or Book An Appointment. When it comes to Voicing, its the same principle in keeping a consistent state for all notes. Pianos need to be regulated regularly to perform well. In a nutshell, "Piano regulation is a term used by piano tuners and technicians that refers to the calibration or intonation of the moving pieces in a piano. Sale. However, a sluggish action or deep grooves in the hammers indicate the need for reconditioning or repair. Regular tuning is the one best thing to keep a piano sounding good. There are usually two fundamental flaws with traditional regulating tools when bench regulating a grand pianothe tools are too long, and their . Capstan adjustment on a grand piano Compare Quick view. However, a sluggish action, or deep grooves in the hammers, indicates the need for restoration or repairs. Prior to regulation, your technician will assess the condition of your instrument. Your email address will not be published. There are around 35 steps to regulating a piano, give or take. Keeping the correct relationship between every part will prevent Piano regulation involves the fine setting and adjustment of all the parts of the action, keys and pedals in order to compensate for wear, compacting and vesting of felt and leather, as well as dimensional changes in wooden and felt parts due to humidity and temperature changes. Quick View + The basic explanation of regulation is getting an evenness of touch for all of the keys on the piano. However, if the piano is very inexpensive, that money might go better towards a new instrument. Regulation is the adjustment of the mechanical aspects of the pianos to compensate for the effects of wear, the compacting and settling of cloth, felt, and buckskin, as well as dimensional changes in wood and wool parts due to changes in humidity. These sometimes need replacing/ repairing to allow the piano to continue to work. Comprehensive inspection with electronic report ($95 value). The action is the mechanical part of the piano that transfers the energy of the stroke of the keys to the hammers that strike the strings. In addition, regulation ensures that your instrument is capable of producing a wide dynamic range -- a critical factor, particularly in pianissimo passages. Don't subscribe Regulation is the adjustment of the mechanical aspects of the pianos to compensate for the effects of wear, the compacting and settling of cloth, felt, and buckskin, as well as dimensional changes in wood and wool parts due to changes in humidity. Prior to piano regulation all repairs should be completed expertly. Piano regulation is the piano technician's term for adjusting the approximately 10,000+ parts that make up the grand piano or upright piano action mechanism so that the piano functions properly and evenly from note to note. Reconditioning is the process of putting your piano back in good condition by cleaning, repairing, and adjusting your instrument for maximum performance with replacement parts only where specifically indicated. Several factors can contribute to this. Regulation is the adjustment of the mechanical aspects of the pianos to compensate for the effects of wear, the compacting and settling of cloth, felt, and buckskin, as well as dimensional changes in wood and wool parts due to changes in humidity. Kawai Pianos - Kawai America Corporation Kawai Canada Music If it has badly worn parts or if there has been corrosion or moth damage, the piano may not be able to be properly regulated without some repair or replacement of parts. Touch refers to the efficiency and responsiveness of the mechanical action of the piano, and is what is responsi-ble for giving a piano its full range of power from the silkiest of pianissimos to the crashing double forte. What is a ballpark amount to regulate, voice & fine tune a piano? As a piano owner, you probably have your piano tuned on a regular basis to keep it playing and performing at the best of its abilities. The distance of the ebony key when pressed down should be about the size of a nickel over the adjacent ivory key. There are approximately 8 different adjustments for each key: from key height, key depth when depressed, let-off of the hammer after its struck, to other details of hammer movement, and other adjustments affecting repetition, power and more. Regulation of your piano will even out the responsiveness and "touch" of every key under your fingers while also maximizing the power and control of each note from soft to loud. Reputable retailers sometimes do the necessary regulation themselves prior to selling the pianos, but others do not. Regulation is the process of adjusting the action, keyboard, and pedals of the piano to work together correctly. It is a quality made item which will last a lifetime and. Every key should have a consistent sound from one another. Thanks again for joining me, Robert Estrin at LivingPianos.com: Robert@LivingPianos.com: 949-244-3729, Hi Robert, I have 20 private piano students, and I often talk to them about tuning and regulation. Each tuning appointment includes: One or multiple tunings depending on how much pitch correction is needed. Poor legato touch, chord playing where all notes of the chord don't speak clearly, a gradual loss of subtlety in phrasing and an inability to execute quick passages or note repetitions evenly may be the fault of the piano -- not the player. "https://" : "http://" ); (function(){var s=document.createElement('script');s.src=bbbprotocol + 'seal-memphis.bbb.org' + unescape('%2Flogo%2Fcoltharp-piano-world-17000102.js');s.type='text/javascript';s.async=true;var st=document.getElementsByTagName('script');st=st[st.length-1];var pt=st.parentNode;pt.insertBefore(s,pt.nextSibling);})(); I trust Russell Cortharp implicitly when it comes to the care and maintenance of our vintage and historic pianos. We wont cover every single step of regulation in this article but here are a few of the major ones; shaping the hammers to eliminate the grooves and restore a proper strike point. All upright and grand pianos should be regulated from time to time to ensure maximal performance, playability and sound production and to ensure that the pianist has an enjoyable experience. Music is one of the most complex vehicles for expression. $ 15.99. Voicing includes preliminary repair and regulation of the action, string leveling and other fine adjustments. While tuning your piano corrects the pitch of your piano, regulation attends to the touch and responsiveness of your action, all vital in creating the performance you are striving for. Piano regulation, like tuning, is an essential aspect of piano care. As a conscientious piano owner, you probably have your piano tuned regularly by a qualified technician. A new piano may require regulation in its first year as it settles and adjusts to its new form and environment. The proper touch on your piano depends on it being regulated. The hope is that the strings can be reset securely to hold during the performance. When a key is pressed, dozens of individual components work in unison to allow the hammer to hit the string in a precise spot, at the right angle and with the exact amount of required force. This includes the piano's action, keyboard and dampers. Right now, I have produced a Video Book on the Regulation Triangle. Thank you Robert for your for your interesting videos. The first and most important step is to replace any parts of the piano that are worn to a point where they wouldnt function even with regulation. During an appointment for tuning a piano tuner will advise you on the necessity of regulation, depending on the above-mentioned circumstances. What is regulation and how does it affect my piano's performance? By Blake Cooper. The inner playing mechanism of the piano called the action is a sensitive and complex machine that requires adjustment for a smooth performance and sound quality. In order to compensate for wear, compacting of cloth & felt, and changes in wooden parts due to humidity, periodic adjustments must be made. if you notice that the keys are not level, some higher or lower than the rest; Regulation of the action is necessary from time to time to maintain a precise and pleasant . If you notice the keys are not level, the keys are sticking, or they are uneven to the touch, it may be time for regulation. A well regulated piano will provide for the needs of the pianist. Only you and your technician together should decide how frequently your piano needs regulation. Tuning adjusts the strings and the pins, the system that determines the pitch of each string. Your . While tuning corrects the pitch of your piano, it is only one component of a complete maintenance program. A job of regulation is in order. A piano that is out of proper regulation can have sluggish repetition, uneven or irregular tone or touch, feel heavy and exhibit an inability to play . First, we will deal with Regulation. Your piano is a major investment which deserves to be protected through regular servicing by a qualified technician. New pianos may require regulation during the first year due to the vesting and compacting of the parts. When a technician regulates a piano, they have to adjust up to 20 moving parts per key! Part 1: Tuning 1.1 Introduction to Pianos, Piano Tuning, This Course and the Tuning DVDs 1.2 Beginning Tuning Hammer Techniques: What are "Unisons", What are "Beats" 1.3 Tuning Bass Unisons: Understanding and Using "Ghost Tones" Harmonic Tuning of Bass Partials 1.4 Tuning Treble Unisons: "Notch" and "Smooth Pull" Tuning Techniques 1.5 Tuning Intervals and Setting [] It gets a lot of use! As the parts wear they no longer make proper contact with their counterparts. The damper system is the mechanical part of the piano that stops the vibration of the string when you release the key and is controlled by the key and pedal systems. Qty in Cart: 0. Some manufacturers decrease costs by not going over the regulation and voicing processes in the factory as much as needed. Robert, thank you for your interesting website. Today, the market has changed to the point where about half of the pianos that are sold are grand pianos, however, most regulation tools are still designed for upright pianos. For example, if a piano can't play softly, it's probably because the hammer isn't making proper . How is a grand piano regulated? Like one definition of infinity, you can get halfway closer to perfection again and again with diminishing returns on time spent. Regulation. $ 17.00. In broad terms, regulation involves a technician going over the moving parts of the piano to make sure they are functioning properly. piano's performance? A piano action regulation is a series of adjustments to the moving components of a piano action, and lubrication of key elements to eliminate excess friction. It really is that big a difference on a great piano. Piano Key Dip Block. So the factory regulation that your piano received when it was new slowly changes as it ages and is played, requiring that adjustments be made to keep the piano set to "Factory Specs". Your piano also requires a periodic servicing called regulation, which adjusts the mechanical parts causing the strings to sound when the keys are played and the pedals are used. For example, if the hammers on some notes are too hard they will need to be needled; if they are too soft, they will need to be treated with chemicals, typically lacquer. Regulation is the adjustment of the mechanical aspects of the pianos to compensate for the effects of wear, the compacting and settling of cloth, felt, and buckskin, as well as dimensional changes in wood and wool parts due to changes in humidity. Schaff Piano Supply. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It also ensures that the piano is able to produce and maintain the required volume levels, which is an important factor, especially in pianissimo passages. When sitting at the piano you want your elbow and arm to fall freely from your shoulder. Piano regulation will provide more power, more control, precision and a . What Is Piano Regulation: Regulation is the process of optimizing the keyboard and action to provide the best feel and response to our touch. Thanks, All upright and grand pianos need periodic regulation to perform their best. The trapwork is the assemblage of levers, dowels and springs that connects the pedals to the action affecting sustain and dynamics. Leveling the strings. The frequency after that is often determined by you and your piano technician. It is comprised of over 9,000 parts which require adjustment to critical tolerances to be able to respond to a pianist's every command. What is regulation and how does it affect my piano's performance? Regulation is the adjustment of the mechanical aspects of the pianos to compensate for the effects of wear, the compacting and settling of cloth, felt, and buckskin, as well as dimensional changes in wood and wool parts due to changes in humidity. In our 50 years of service, we've performed piano regulation services on all piano makes and models in Northern Virginia. Regulation is the optimization of touch and tone. Regulation is subject to how often the piano is used, exposure to changes in climate and the quality, age and condition of the piano. $329.95. Two problems too many. $ 30.00. Pianos are full of wood, felt, and other delicate parts that do become worn to a point of needing replacement. And that's why we are here to serve you. Hammer blow distance is the space between the hammers at rest and the underside of the string. Pianos should be regulated periodically in order to: compensate for environmental changes (such as increases or decreases in humidity) compensate for wear and tear improve feel and tone So, what is regulation? Required fields are marked *. The action is the mechanical part of the piano that transfers the motion of the fingers on the keys to the hammers that strike the strings. Listening or Playing What The Piano Does To Your Brain, The Tool Every Piano Student Needs a Metronome, The Biggest Problems People Face When Learning The Piano. The following article is a reprint of a technical bulletin published by the Piano Technicians Guild, Inc. on www.ptg.org. Grand Action Screwdriver - 7" blade with 1/8" shaft & 2" plastic handle. Pianos that are used for performance purposes may require regulation before use, due to the high demands placed on them. It is a complex mechanical system that translates the depression of a key into a hammer strike on the strings. It's important to note that tuning is only the adjustment of the system of strings and pins that determines the pitch of each string. Touch refers to the efficiency and responsiveness of the mechanical action of the piano, and is what is responsi-ble for giving a piano its full range of power from the silkiest of pianissimos to a crashing double forte. Regulation is the adjustment of the mechanical aspects of the pianos to compensate for the effects of wear, the compacting and settling of cloth, felt, and buckskin, as well as dimensional changes in wood and wool parts due to changes in humidity. Touch refers to the efficiency and . Some manufacturers decrease costs by not going over the regulation and Voicing Or Toning processes in the factory as much as needed. It's important to note that tuning is only the adjustment of the system of strings and pins that determines the pitch of each string. Standard Tuning - $200. The intensity and number of hours your instrument is played, and climatic conditions are all determinants. What type of Facility is best for Piano Storage. What is a Piano Regulation? WHAT IS PIANO REGULATION? The action of a piano is the motion that occurs when a key is pressed and the hammer then strikes the string. The truth is, there is no end to how far you can go with a piano. There are three system involved in the regulation process: the action, the trapwork and the damper system. What is regulation and how does it affect my piano's performance? Pianos used for performances may require regulation before use due to the great demands made on the piano. This tool performs the regulating functions with precision. Your piano also requires a periodic servicing called regulation, which . And these parts are mostly made from wood and felt, which as you can imagine change over time (wood shrinks and swells, felt compresses). These parts are also affected by dimensional changes brought . Action assembly regulation. The adjustments compensate for the effects of wear and tear caused by usage, the compacting and settling of cloth, felt, and buckskin that along with wood make up the action parts. Since a piano goes out of regulation as a result of the amount of play, a piano which is used on a more regular basis will need to be regulated more often than one that sits for long periods of time. The three systems involved in regulation are the action trapwork and damper system . Regulation is necessary to make sure the action parts of the piano are functioning properly. You can continue to make finer and finer adjustments and never really reach a real level of perfection. As the parts wear they no longer make proper contact with their counterparts. We offer a variety of services depending on our clients' needs: tuning, pitch-raising, repairs, regulation, voicing, cleaning, re-stringing, hammer replacement, refurbishing, rebuilding, etc. Fine tuning will require a technician to pound on the keys and make sure the piano wont go out of tune even with a tremendous amount of force of a concert pianist playing virtuoso music. Subtotal: . What is a Piano Regulation? You may, however, notice a deterioration of its performance despite regular tuning. Your forearm should be parallel to the floor, and your arm should be at an angle slightly more than a right angle. He is meticulous and thorough in his analysis of problems and the design of treatment plans. Our highly-skilled technicians are familiar with the inner workings of Steinways, Estonias, Baldwins, Steingraeber & Sohnes . The action assembly of your piano is made up of several thousand parts that are heavily stressed every time you play. Pianos are manufactured with 5,000 to 10,000 parts. They are all essential when it comes to getting the most out of your piano and making sure it plays its best. (Regulation is typically not included in the cost of a piano tuning.) McCall $210. A job of regulation is in order. Proper regulation will keep the piano from aging and getting to an unplayable state. It's important to note that tuning is only the adjustment of the system of strings and pins that determines the pitch of each string. In some regards the expression "to regulate" is a misnomer. Recommended twice a year, a thorough and accurate tuning of your piano. Mechanical clocks are regulated for properly timed motion. A liberal rule of thumb is to add about $10 for every year out of service to the standard tuning fee. Action regulation is the process of adjusting the approximately 8,000 parts of the piano's action so they function as designed to give a pianist the maximum evenness, control, speed of repetition, and power the piano is capable of. Includes custom case made from soft, but durable suede fabric with a flannel lining. In addition, regulation ensures that your piano is capable of producing a wide dynamic range, a critical factor, particularly in pianissimo passages.

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