Subjective Assessment of Upright Piano Key Vibrations
Martin Gerard Keane, George Dodd · Acta acustica united with Acustica · 2011
Acceleration measurements of a group of pianos have shown significant differences in key vibration levels between upright and grand pianos. These differences suggest the possibility of improving the upright piano by reducing key vibrations. This was achieved by replacing an upright keybed with one made of a material giving higher mechanical impedance. A group of experienced pianists evaluated a pair of pianos, one of which was fitted with the replacement keybed. The participants consistently preferred the modified piano, and it was found that a significant improvement to the instrument had been made with the modified keybed.