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.comBenPianoPro@comcast.net------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 06-03-2017 15:38
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Black key top question
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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