Action Regulation
The pianos full name is PiANO-FORTE, meaning SOFT-LOUD or NORMAL-STRONG. The mechanism or (action) of a piano is the extension of the finger that sets the string into vibration, rather than plucking the string into vibration. The amazing designed of the piano action when regulated or (adjusted) properly gives the player optimum control of energy of the (striker) or hammer to string contact. The piano when played in a percussion style is very forgiving and if out of regulation may not appear to be a concern.
Dynamics expression in music demand many levels of volume, tone and note repetition. A sign that will tell you that your piano is out of regulation is the difficulty to play softly or repeat a note fast. Because the piano is a striking instrument the player having become used to their piano may not realize the wasted energy (extra work) they are using to play softly. When the action is regulated properly the player has optimum control over the most delicate and softest of sound to the maximum power their piano can produce with all 88 keys having uniform control and responce.
As a piano is played, the moving parts wear in and the felts settle and compact. The fulcrum distances change, and adjustments are needed to reset the fulcrum dictances. The moving parts of the action are all interrelated and any one adjustment has an effect on other adjustments in some way.
Just as it takes many years of practice to become a professional player, it also takes many years
of experience and understanding to regulate a piano action.
