Technical Library

EARLY PIANO III: Extracting the action

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Broken fortepiano hammers 38K jpeg
Avoid broken hammers by learning how to safely extract the action

 

Extracting the fortepiano action…

Musicians or technicians desiring to make adjustments to the fortepiano action must be able to safely remove it from the instrument.

Warning 1K gif ALWAYS ENSURE NO KEYS ARE DEPRESSED
OTHERWISE YOU WILL BREAK HAMMER SHANKS!

There are a few main types of fortepianos commonly encountered today, and slightly different techniques must be used to safely extract the actions. Study the movie below for your particular type of instrument, and read the technical description:



Movie thumb 3K jpeg Movie 1K gif Fortepiano action extraction IV — Hinged retainer
Carey Beebe demonstrating how to safely extract the action of a c1870 Streicher fortepiano.
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Movie thumb 3K jpeg Movie 1K gif Fortepiano action extraction III — Keyframe sled
Carey Beebe demonstrating how to safely extract the action of a Stein-type fortepiano.
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Movie thumb 3K jpeg Movie 1K gif Fortepiano action extraction II — Frontrail & Keyframe ramp
Carey Beebe demonstrating how to safely extract the action of a Graf-type fortepiano.
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Movie thumb 3K jpeg Movie 1K gif Fortepiano action extraction I — Keyframe ramp
Carey Beebe demonstrating how to safely extract the action of a Walter-type fortepiano.
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Early Piano index:


CBH Icon 1K gif Early Piano Bibliography
CBH Icon 1K gif First Fortepiano concerts in China
CBH Icon 1K gif Square pianoforte restoration report
CBH Icon 1K gif Technical Library overview
CBH Icon 1K gif Harpsichords Australia Home Page