Regulation

The piano action is the mechanical component of a piano. A piano is made up of a cast iron plate and a mechanism that strikes the strings, which is called the action. The action is made up of the keys and a system of moving parts that translates the energy from the keys into movement of the hammers that in turn strike the strings. When a piano is new, the action is adjusted so that it will produce the best feel and response that the piano is capable of.

Over time as the action wears in, the felt compacts and the hammers wear, tone and the touch of the piano may start to decline. When this occurs it is time to look at regulating the action and voicing the hammers. Depending on how far the instrument has been allowed to decline this job may take just a few hours or a few days.

So in simple terms regulation is the adjustments that are made to make the piano perform at its best.

Signs that regulation is overdue:

• Keys seem to go down too far or seem too shallow
• Uneven touch from one note to note
• It is difficult to play softly and still have the notes sound
• Notes do not repeat quickly
• Notes continue to ring after the key returns
• Pedals squeak
• Piano has developed a harsh metallic sound
• Keys rattle, action is excessively noisy