Pianotech

  • 1.  Black key top question

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-03-2017 15:39
    In my own piano playing practice I'm finding that my fingers are just fat enough that I have trouble, sometimes, playing the notes A, D & G in a chord without also sometimes playing the black keys on either side, or, preventing the black keys from returning after being released. I was contemplating replacing the black keytops with ones that are a bit narrower but can't find any. Schaff lists sharps of varying heights and lengths, but not widths. Any suggestions on how I might deal with this? I've seen pianists with enormous hands play extraordinarily well so I know this problem can be overcome, but how? My teacher does not have an answer.

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    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
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  • 2.  RE: Black key top question

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-03-2017 17:28
    Geoff,

    I'm afraid I can't answer your question as far as sharps go. My advice is to call Schaff. Ask them to measure the widths. Every time I've had a question about a part or tool, and call, they are very good about answering, even if it means going an extra mile or two to help. Very good customer service -- that goes for all the supply houses that I've dealt with. 

    As as far as the technique goes, yes, it is possible. My hands are large, and I've found that changing the position of my wrists helps with certain chords. In theory, you want to play the whites near the center of the key heads, while playing the sharps in the center about 1/4 in from the end. But in practicality we play the whites nearer where we should play the sharps. Changing the position of your wrists forces you to play the whites nearer their theoretical position. Ive found that my students play better when they learn this trick. 

    The key to changing your wrist position is to change it in very small increments, left and right, up and down, until you find what works for you in that particular song. This will take a lot of practice, because it is a relearning process. But it was worth it for me, for my students that have learned this trick, and I hope for you as well. 

    All the best,

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    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net
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  • 3.  RE: Black key top question

    Posted 06-03-2017 19:27
    Geoff,
    Check octave span of the piano. Some are narrower than others. Older Mason and Hamlin sharps are very nice and seem to have just the right space in between, and are not as tall. Also, sharps are not that hard to make on a table saw if you feel so inclined. 





  • 4.  RE: Black key top question

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-03-2017 21:42
    This is a six year old Yamaha YUS1. I'm very hesitant to make any changes to it that might be noticed by anyone but me. It's looking like diligent practice with a wrist/finger workaround is going to be the most practical choice.

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    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
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  • 5.  RE: Black key top question

    Posted 06-04-2017 02:20
    Geoff - Here's someone who does have an answer �� :

    igudesman joo rachmaninov had big hands

    Michael    UK





  • 6.  RE: Black key top question

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-04-2017 11:35
    Yes, but only Joos' hands are small...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifKKlhYF53w 


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    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
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  • 7.  RE: Black key top question

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-05-2017 08:35
    Geoff -
    Some information would help:
    What make and vintage is piano?
    What are the dimensions of existing sharps?  
    What are measurements of spaces between sharps? (note: they're not likely all the same)(note: measure at bass of ebony or plastic)
    What are measured widths of offending fingers?

    Since this is your piano, you can do whatever you want.  Reducing sharp widths would be easier if they are ebony.  Width at top of sharp is probably OK.  Remember though that you'd also have to reduce widths of key sticks as well, so your fingers don't get caught between.

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    David Skolnik
    Hastings-on-Hudson NY
    914-231-7565
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