Balance Hole Sizing

A piano key’s fulcrum, the site of the see-saw action, occurs where the balance rail pin goes through the key. The hole in the bottom of the key should be the same size as the pin going through the hole. If the hole is too large, the key bounces with every return to its rest position. This bounce makes an audible thump and interferes with the enjoyment of the music. When the hole is even larger, the key actually slides forward and back making a click that adds to the action noise.

In extreme cases, routing out the area of the hole and installing a new hardwood plug becomes necessary. In not-so-serious cases, glue sizing can be accomplished to eliminate the thump and click.

My piano thinks that Stuart Davidson hung the moon!! I traveled over 1,000 miles so that Stuart might have the opportunity to rejuvenate me. I was bought by Emma Schroke for $400.00 in 1913. I have seen three generations pound on my keyboard, but when I traveled from Texas to South Dakota, I was still relatively good. When Mr. Davidson finished with me – I was fantastic!!
Lois Fietz, Houston, Texas