Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the sound of acoustic musical instruments by decoupling the part of a musical instrument that is directly responsible for producing the primary sound event from the elements and components that are not directly involved in producing the primary sound event. The limitation of the acoustically active part prevents elements (6, 7) that have primarily static or optical functions or serve to produce variety of playing technique from vibrating or emitting sound, since they may lead to interferences and distortions of the primary sound event. According to the invention, an intermediate layer produced from a material (1) that reduces sound conduction is arranged in the connecting zones between the elements.

Abstract: For use in the pivotal connections of wooden members in a piano action, a bushing formed of a suitable plastic or elastomeric material, such as Teflon, is inserted in bushing holes in each arm of a forked action member for supporting a bearing pin secured to the tongue portion of a mating action member. The bushing has an internal bore of substantially uniform diameter throughout its length, and an outer diameter at the end portions of that portion received in the bushing hole smaller than the outer diameter over the portion thereof mediate the end portions, whereby the bushing can rotate along its axis relative to the bushing hole so as to be self-aligning with the bearing pin received in the internal bore. Because of the "barrel shape" of the bushing, variations in the tolerance on the size of the bushing holes are taken up by compression, causing a slight reduction in the diameter of the internal bore and thereby providing a low-friction essentially line contact between the bushing and the bearing pin.