Keyboard: Levelling keys

After correcting unwanted tilt and unsightly gaps, the final cosmetic adjustment to the key positions is to ensure the rows of naturals and sharps are each at a consistent horizontal level. This is accomplished with paper shims of various thicknesses, which are placed under the red balance pin felt that insulates each key from the key frame.

I did this levelling strictly by eye. Usually a proper levelling is assisted with a thread stretched along the key fronts as a guide, but for now here's the result using my good old-fashioned eyeballs:


Levelling must take place after balancing, because the keys might not fall back properly until balanced and this could affect the level of the front edges.

The quantity of shims together with the thickness of the red head stop cloth under the key fronts gives a depth of touch of 1/4", which is typical for an Italian harpsichord. Maximum depth is determined by the sharps: if they are level with the naturals when depressed, the touch is too deep and extra notes might get played by mistake. On an instrument with two rows of jacks, the minimum depth must be enough for both rows to play successfully, as they pluck one after the other and not simultaneously.

I may have to repeat the levelling process in future, when the instrument is finally playing and the various action felts start getting compressed.