Refelting the Keybed
The quiet operation of piano keys depends on three sets of felts: front rail punchings, balance rail punchings, and back rail cloth.
These felts act as cushions, absorbing unwanted sounds and playing a crucial role in determining both the height of the keys and the depth of the keystroke. Over time, these felts become thinner and harder due to continued playing.
As keybed felts harden and wear thin, the keys become uneven in height from note to note. Additionally, the amount of downward stroke (key dip) begins to vary, resulting in an uneven touch. A perfectly level set of keys with a uniform amount of key dip is essential for an action performing at its full potential.
Once the old, worn keybed felts have been replaced with a complete new set, the piano will function more as it did when it was a new instrument.
The felt used for the back rail cloth, as well as for the balance rail and front rail punchings, is a very thick, dense felt designed to withstand decades of constant use.
Keybed felts come in a range of thicknesses, allowing the original factory-installed size to be precisely duplicated.
Paper and card punchings as thin as .002″ are used under the felts for final adjustments necessary for level keys and even key dip.
Credit : Chuck Behm (text and images)
Schedule your service
We would be happy to arrange a convenient time to perform this essential repair. Contact us to ensure the proper functioning and long-term preservation of your piano.
Need an estimate before committing?
Take advantage of an online consultation via Zoom Piano Consultation to receive an initial estimate. The cost of this consultation will be credited toward any future restoration performed by us or our affiliated technicians.