Felts under the keys

[frankie73]

Good morning, first post here
Restoring my Rhodes mk1-73, built in 79.

Problem: The bottom of any key does not touch the felts. Both with the old ones (green stripe) or with the new ones (new round felts). It's normal? See here https://youtu.be/o3FExC-KJBA

Thank you all

[steste]

Hi i have a MK1 1977 and is the same i suppose the purpose of that felt is to avoid breaking of mechanical parts, hammers, in case of very very strong hit, in that very rare moments the felt is operating.
But im not sure.

[Wags]

Hey guys! Figured I'd chime in here since no one has jumped in, have no fear, that is completely normal.
The front rail felts under the keys are only there as a last effort to protect from further damage if a key is able to be pressed down that far from misuse/broken tine/hammer etc.
Normal use and setup should not engage them at all. I've seen occasionally people have shimmed/doubled them to engage the key as a quick fix for over-striking etc. but again, that's usually just a temporary fix.

FYI Wurlitzer EP's on the other hand do make contact with the front rail felts and they are a part of the feel and action of the piano. 

[frankie73]

Very useful information.  Thank you both