Augmented bass hammer striking distance for pianos

Abstract

An augmented bass hammer striking distance is provided in both upright and grand pianos. At least those strings in the bass section having an optimum striking distance (d) to speaking length (L) ratio (d/L) of a value greater than 1/7 have their hammers located at a striking distance (d) along their lengths as determined by their optimum d/L value. The hammers of all of the bass section strings can be so located. Alternatively, the hammers of those bass section strings having an optimum value of d/L of 1/7 or less can be conventionally located at the same striking distance (d) determined from a preselected d/L value falling within the range of 1/7 to 1/9, or can be incrementally varied. When the lowest few strings of the bass section appear to have subjectively less apparent fullness of tone, the striking distance of the lowest few strings can be shortened string-by-string toward the low end of the bass section by amounts which will modify their subjective d/L - dependent pitch in 100-cent increments. When it is desired to have a rapid and smooth transition from a first group of strings in the bass region having d/L values greater than 1/7 to a second group of strings in the bass section having d/L values of 1/7 or less, the highest few strings of the first group can have their striking distances (d) shortened string-by-string toward the high end of the bass section by amounts which will modify their subjective d/L - dependent pitch in 100-cent increments.