Interesting arrangement. The keys are much stronger this way, less prone to break. No chance of chucking keys, since there's no rocking at the balance rail hole. I guess if you need to square the keys, you'd have to bend the pin. Looks easy to replace the bushing felt. Would have been nice to get a photo of the rail under the keys. My imagination is that the pins are inserted into a wooden dowel, drilled in the center, and held by a long metal rod, which would act as the pivot. Or, a bushed slot underneath, like a key button with the pin inserted from the top.
Too bad, Kimball did actually know how to make a good piano. At least back then.
Paul McCloud
San DIego
I just serviced an old, heavily decorated Kimball upright, probably circa 1900 with an unusual balance rail. The balance rail pins swivel with the key in slots in a separate guide rail (see photos).
Has anyone seen these before. It appears to be serviceable, though nearing the end of its practical life.
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Blaine Hebert
Duarte CA
626-795-5170
Original Message------
I just serviced an old, heavily decorated Kimball upright, probably circa 1900 with an unusual balance rail. The balance rail pins swivel with the key in slots in a separate guide rail (see photos).
Has anyone seen these before. It appears to be serviceable, though nearing the end of its practical life.
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Blaine Hebert
Duarte CA
626-795-5170
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