Key Leveling, Horizontally

[funk5]

I've seen this question asked before but don't recall any answers or suggestions to it. Sure leveling the keys is easy and simple, but how do you get it to line up horizontally, meaning I'm noticing that some keys seem to be slanting down to either the left or the right slightly. How do you go about tackling this problem?

The Rhodes has been cleaned out, so the back rail felt is clear of debris, as well as the pedestal felts. Maybe I need to replace the back rail felt to even it out? Any suggestions are appreciated.

[MikeMalone]

Ive had this problem before as well. Tried asking the Vintage Vibe forum but it was no help...This may be a key bushing felt issue. Have you had those replaced recently?

[funk5]

My the key bushing felts need to be re fluffed, or possibly replaced, but I just don't see that effecting it, as far as the front rail key bushings (the red ones). The key bushings on my balance rail look alright.

I did turn the front rail key pins slightly to tighten up the action, but I'm really not happy with the results and will be turning them back to the original position. What I've noticed is that it messes with the spacing of the keys creating gaps where there didn't used to be any. I don't know if this could have messed with the horizontal leveling at all. I'm guessing that on pianos they only adjust this for actually spacing and not to tighten up the left to right sloppiness, they probably either fluff the key bushings or replace them.

[tnelson]

This is one instance in which the adjustment of a Rhodes is just like that for a conventional piano. If a key is tilted,  adjust its pin on the balance rail.  If it is mis-spaced, adjust its front rail pin. One way to adjust without damaging a pin is to use a tool called a key spacer (or offset key spacer).  This enables you to gently lever the pin to one side or the other from the front end of the key bed. If you don't already have a piano tool kit, you will probably need a compatible universal handle for it also.  Both are available from piano supply companies.  If you decide not to use the specialized tool, be careful not to damage the smooth surface of the pins with whatever you do use.

[prtarrell]

If either set of key bushings are badly worn you have to replace them.  To level:
Sight along the line made by the white keytops.  If it sags, is humped. or wavy,  correct this with punchings.  Even out the spaces between the white keys by lightly bending the front rail pins with a tool that is not going to nick the pin. Lay a straight edged  piece of wood or metal 12 to 18 inches long  on top of the white keys close to their front edge.  Get your eye down there close to the straight edge and determine which way the key is leaning.  With a piece of hardwood placed against the correct side of the top of the center rail pin, at 90 degrees,  whack it lightly with the palm of your hand to slightly bend the pin.   DELICATELY¡ Repeat with the black keys.

[funk5]

So in relation to the keys being tilted the proper way to level them is to slightly bend the balance rail pins. Thanks.

[pianotuner steveo]

yes, but very carefully. This is how professional piano techs are taught to handle this. I use a wide screwdriver.Hit the metal pin, not the key. This doesnt always work perfectly though.

[funk5]

yes, but very carefully. This is how professional piano techs are taught to handle this. I use a wide screwdriver.Hit the metal pin, not the key. This doesnt always work perfectly though.

Wouldn't the screwdriver scratch the pin? Any other things that you do to cure this? Thanks.

[pianotuner steveo]

I've never had a problem in 30+ years...I use a dull, wide blade screwdriver,not a thin sharp one.

You just bump it with your hand,it's not hard enought to damage it.

[GetWithTheTines]

I have a few keys in the middle that are tilted. I replaced the bushing felt and also replaced the balance rail cloth punchings and they're still a little tilted - and unevenly spaced :-( I guess the next most likely cause is bent (or leaning) balance rail pins, isn't it? Unfortunately, it's hard to tell if that's the case by looking.

The recommended method seems to be placing a board against the balance rail pin and tapping it with a hammer. One question: Where should the board be placed? At the top or bottom of the pin? Also, is that better than placing a nut driver over the pin and pushing it gently to the side. I'm terrified of breaking the pin. How great is the risk of that happening and how severe are the consequences? Maybe I'll try to live with the tilted keys.

Thanks.

[prtarrell]

You correct tilting key tops by gently bumping the top of the balance rail pin above the top of the key.  You can use a screw driver or a piece of wood placed at a 90 degree angle to the key  You don't want to nick the pin which could cause it to eat into the felt bushing.  This is a delicate bump done with the palm of your hand.  The spacing between the keys is adjusted by carefully bending the front rail pin at the bottom where it goes into the key frame.  There is a tool specifically for this  If the key stick is warped.................well,  that's another story.

[pianotuner steveo]

Hmmm,...that's what I said...4 years ago!