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Integrity Piano Service
Kenneth Farrington, RPT
P. O. Box 548
Naugatuck, CT 06770
(203) 888-7848
All content copyright 2004-2014 Integrity Piano Service.
Action Regulation
Regulation is the process of adjusting the piano's mechanical components (the action), including the keys, hammers, dampers, and all the parts in between, to compensate for wear, for compacting of cloth and leather, and the dimensional changes in the wood caused by humidity fluctuations.
Even if you have your piano tuned regularly, you may need to have it regulated. Tuning simply addresses setting each note to sound at the proper pitch. Regulation addresses the consistency and proper mechanical functioning of the action. You may notice that your piano does not seem to play well, or as well as it could. Perhaps the touch is uneven, or you cannot play very loud or very soft. You may notice that the keys are somewhat uneven (some are higher or lower than others) or that some notes always seem louder than others. These are some of the signs your piano may need regulation.
All pianos need periodic regulation, whether upright, spinet, or grand. How often it is needed depends on the quality of the piano, and how much use it receives, but most pianos are not regulated as often as they could be. In some cases, repair work or reconditioning may be needed prior to regulation, especially if the hammers or felts are extremely worn.
For more information, see the regulation bulletin at ptg.org.
Regulation Options
At Integrity Piano Service, I offer several regulation options, ranging from very basic to quite complete. The more thorough options can in most cases be split into several parts to be done over a period of months, if desired. This splits up the investment into manageable fractions, and still provides you with the same high-quality result at the end. For information on rates, please call (203) 888-7848. Telephone is the best way to contact me, but you can also e-mail.
Minimal: Most pianos will see improvement from this basic service, although on older instruments the result will not be as satisfactory as the results of more extensive service. Hammer filing is not included. This is also a good option to touch-up an piano that is already playing fairly well but has not been regulated in some time.
Basic: For many older uprights, this may be the best option, since a minimal regulation may not do enough for that "worn-out" action. Hammer filing may or may not need to be done first.
Economy: A worthwhile choice for many pianos, especially older instruments, when their condition may not warrant a complete regulation. This includes filing the hammers.
Complete: This option delivers the most significant improvement, restoring the touch and response of the keys as close as possible to "like-new." This job includes filing the hammers and replacing key frame felts, but in some cases, other reconditioning or repair work may be needed prior to regulation.
What Is Included? (Grand Pianos)
• Minimal: touch up only (hammer blow, repetition springs, let-off, checking)
• Economy (partial) grand regulation, including: clean, tighten, lube/ease action; tighten all action screws; re-shape (file) hammers; bed keyframe to keybed; ease key bushings, align keys, pins, etc.; regulate action as needed to improve performance.
• Complete grand regulation, including: clean, tighten, lube/ease action; tighten all action screws; travel all hammers; tighten damper underlever flange screws; re-shape (file) hammers; buff capstans; bed keyframe to keybed; re-felt 3 keyframe rails; polish key pins, both rails; bolster/file/lubricate knuckles; ease key bushings, align keys, pins, etc.; completely regulate action to ideal performance specifications.
What Is Included? (Vertical Pianos)
• Minimal: touch-up only (hammer blow, capstans, let-off, checking)
• Basic touch-up vertical regulation, including: clean piano inside as needed; regulate action as needed to improve performance (typical: key height, dip, hammer blow, capstans, let-off, checking, dampers)
• Economy (partial) vertical regulation, including: clean action and piano inside; tighten all action screws; ease key bushings and align keys, pins as needed; re-shape hammers (includes round trip), regulate action as needed to improve performance
• Complete vertical regulation, including: clean action and piano inside; tighten all action screws; travel hammers; space/align all parts; ease key bushings; align keys and pins; buff capstans; re-shape (file) hammers (includes round trip); completely regulate action to ideal performance specifications