Close Communication Between the Performer and the Piano Keyboard

Function and Construction




• Each key of the keyboard is supported by two pins which are attached to the keyframe (the base of the keyboard). The pin farthest from the pianist is the balance pin, which supports the movement of the key. The pin nearer to the performer is the front pin, which prevents movement from side to side.
• Bushing cloth has been attached to the inside of the holes. This insures that the movement of the keys remains very smooth and also prevents noise.
• When the key is depressed, the capstan button on the rear of the key pushes up the whippen, setting the action into operation.



Materials

• For the keys, Yamaha uses fir and spruce which are both strong and durable woods. After being naturally seasoned for a long period of time, these woods then receive additional seasoning in Yamaha's computer controlled kilns.
• In all brands of pianos, the keys are left without finish being applied, and therefore, can be affected by temperature and humidity changes. Careful processing and sufficient seasoning is essential.
• As for upright pianos high quality acrylic resin is used for the white keys and phenolic resin is used for the black keys. These materials are extremely strong, nearly impervious to wear and discolouration, and feel good to the touch.
• A bushing cloth material that has been specially developed for Yamaha is used instead of the traditionally available bushing cloth. It is extremely durable, wear resistant and improves the feeling of the touch significantly.

Design

• The size and shape of the holes for the balance pin and the front pin have a significant effect on the touch. The holes must not be so big that the keyboard has too much play; however, they must still allow free movement. An adequate feeling of resistance is an important factor.
Yamaha's design stresses correct attention to this point.
• The weight of touch, as sensed by the musician, is influenced by several factors. Major factors include the weight of the keyboard itself and the smoothness of feeling as the key is depressed.
• The movement of the keys has been carefully controlled to match the movement of the human fingers. The force required to depress the keys and the movement of the keys in returning to their original position are well balanced in Yamaha pianos.

Fabrication Technology

• In order to construct the large area necessary for a keyboard it is necessary to edge glue 3 or 4 boards together. This wood, lined up along the grain, is then carefully cut into 88 keys, producing a keyboard for one piano.
• Advanced wood seasoning techniques along with precise wood shaping techniques insure that Yamaha piano keys are accurate and uniform. A key can be exchanged as long as its replacement is an equivalent key for the same model piano.
• Highly skilled technicians who are well versed in the construction of pianos cooperate with each other to carry out the necessary procedures, quickly and accurately.