Simulated piano action apparatus for electronic keyboard

Abstract

An electronic keyboard key apparatus includes a longitudinally extending key pivotally mounted on a supporting base and a simulated hammer assembly including a simulated hammer mounted on a hammer shank that is independently pivotally mounted with respect to the key on the base. A jack means is mounted on the key for striking and pivoting the hammer assembly when the key is struck and a preferably flexible bridle for controlling the hammer assembly connects the hammer assembly to the key. A spring is connected between a back end of the key and the base for quickly returning the key to its at rest position. The bridle may be a flexible strap. The simulated hammer may be a metallic cylinder disposed about a first distal end of the hammer shank. A butt is attached to a second distal end of the shank and the butt has a butt end that is bifurcated to form two hinge lugs that are hinged to a single hinge lug of a lug mount fixedly connected to the base. The shank and the butt may be constructed as a single integral member and made of wood as can be the lug mount. The simulated hammer assembly may be mounted above the key and the lug mount is mounted above the key on a first rail. A hammer cushioning means for cushioning and resting the simulated hammer is mounted to the base beneath the simulated hammer and a hammer stop is disposed above the hammer cushioning means such that the simulated hammer engages the stop when the key is struck causing the hammer shank to pivot upwards. The hammer stop may be a U-shaped stop cushion with a circularly bent end, legs extending away from the bent end, and the stop cushion mounted to a stop bar by a clamp channel that clamp the legs between the channel and the stop bar.