Piano provided with a mechanism for controlling string striking movement

Abstract

In a piano mechanism, the sound volume can be effectively controlled without changing the feel of the key or tone quality. A hammer regulating button projecting from a hammer rail contacts the upper face of a catcher just before a hammer strikes a string. By restricting the string striking movement, the volume of string striking sound is controlled, irrespective of the mechanical operation of a jack or other associated transmitting components responsive to the key depressing. No cushioning material is required between hammer and string. In a piano having an electronic sound source built therein, even when the keys are depressed, the hammer can be stopped from striking strings by the provision of a hammer shank stop rail and a catcher regulating button. Therefore, without generating a string striking sound, sounds are generated from the electronic sound source. By manually turning an adjusting screw of the catcher regulating button, the position of the hammer when stopped can be adjusted. Therefore, even after repeated use, the string striking movement can be positively stopped.