Abstract: A system 100, for determining the velocity of a hammer 120 of a keyboard instrument, with a light transceiver 140 and processing circuitry 160. The light transceiver 140 being configured to transmit a light signal to a hammer 120 to measure a hammer velocity, receive a reflected light signal from the hammer 120 indicative of the velocity of the hammer 120 and send an electrical signal to the processing circuitry 160, where the electrical signal is based on the reflected light signal from the hammer 120. The processing circuitry 160 being configured to receive and process the electrical signal so that a time interval between the electrical signal passing through a first trigger point and a second trigger point and the velocity of the hammer 120 can be determined.

Abstract: A system 100, for determining the velocity of a hammer 120 of a keyboard instrument, with a light transceiver 140 and processing circuitry 160. The light transceiver 140 being configured to transmit a light signal to a hammer 120 to measure a hammer velocity, receive a reflected light signal from the hammer 120 indicative of the velocity of the hammer 120 and send an electrical signal to the processing circuitry 160, where the electrical signal is based on the reflected light signal from the hammer 120. The processing circuitry 160 being configured to receive and process the electrical signal so that a time interval between the electrical signal passing through a first trigger point and a second trigger point and the velocity of the hammer 120 can be determined.

Abstract: A system, for determining the velocity of a hammer of a keyboard instrument, with a light transceiver and processing circuitry. The light transceiver being configured to transmit a light signal to a hammer to measure a hammer velocity, receive a reflected light signal from the hammer indicative of the velocity of the hammer and send an electrical signal to the processing circuitry, where the electrical signal is based on the reflected light signal from the hammer. The processing circuitry being configured to receive and process the electrical signal so that a time interval between the electrical signal passing through a first trigger point and a second trigger point and the velocity of the hammer can be determined.

Abstract: A piano selectively playable in normal and soft modes has multiple piano keys and actions, including a wippen assembly, and multiple piano hammers. A soft mode pedal system includes soft and ultra-soft mode pedals, and a hammer rest rail mounted for movement between normal and soft mode positions. A piano key lift rail is mounted for movement between a normal mode position spaced from lifting contact with the keys and a soft mode position in contact with and lifting the keys and the wippen assemblies. A soft mode pedal linkage assembly between the soft and ultra-soft mode pedals and the hammer rest and piano key lift rails causes movement of the hammer rest rail, piano hammers, the piano keys, and the wippen assemblies upon actuation of the soft mode pedal between normal mode position and soft and ultra-soft mode positions.

Abstract: A piano includes an underlever assembly having an underlever arm and an underlever support joining the underlever arm to a string damper. The underlever arm is mounted to move between an at-rest position and a second position. A latch is mounted to a latch mount for movement between non-latching and latching positions. In latching position, the latch engages a latch surface of the underlever support to maintain the string damper spaced from a corresponding piano string. A stop mounted to the latch mount limits movement of the underlever arm toward its second position. A method for controlling a piano string damper includes contacting the underlever arm with the latch to maintain the string damper spaced from the string, and contacting the underlever arm with the stop to limit movement of the underlever arm.

Abstract: A knuckle assembly for an escapement action of a piano includes a knuckle, a jack retainer, and an adjustment means acting between the retainer and the knuckle for positioning the retainer relative to the knuckle. The knuckle assembly is mountable between first and second ends of a hammershank. The knuckle defines a knuckle surface for engagement with a jack. The knuckle is arranged for escape of the jack from engagement with the knuckle surface during depression of a piano key. The retainer retains the jack in an "at rest" position with the jack in engagement with the knuckle surface in opposition to force of a spring urging the jack toward the "at rest" position. A piano escapement action assembly includes a hammershank, a knuckle assembly, a jack engaged with a knuckle surface in an "at rest", and a spring disposed to urge the jack toward the "at rest" position.

Abstract: A piano includes a balance rail defining a balance surface, and a piano key assembly including an elongated body defining a playing surface. The piano key assembly is supported by the balance surface for pivoting movement in response to application of playing pressure applied to the playing surface. The balance surface is disposed in a first plane and the playing surface is disposed in a second plane vertically spaced from the first plane. A leveling arm has a first end attached to the elongated body and a cantilevered, second, free end, and defines a leveling surface in opposition to the balance surface. A leveling adjustment element includes a segment extending between the elongated body and the free end of the leveling arm. The segment has a length adjustable for changing the vertical distance between the first plane of the balance surface and the second plane of the playing surface.