Black keys on a piano

Greg Vincent · Post by **Greg Vincent** » 1 Dec 2003 10:26 am

Hi folks,

I've noticed that some pianos have black keys with a bit of their height shaved off starting about half-way down their length, while on other pianos the black keys are completely straight along the top (parallel to the white keys).

When was this "bent" black key profile introduced? Does this style have a name? Is it supposed to make the keyboard faster --or more comfortable? What are the advantages & disadvantages of the "straight" black keys as opposed to the "bent" ones?

C'mon Chas, E. Bovine, I know you guys will have info on this!

-Curious in L.A.[This message was edited by Greg Vincent on 01 December 2003 at 10:28 AM.][This message was edited by Greg Vincent on 01 December 2003 at 10:29 AM.]

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 1 Dec 2003 11:25 am

Interesting. I know that years ago I went from an old beat up, wore down upright to a brand new Yamaha grand. I don't know if the specs of the key shape were different or if the old piano's keys were just so 'eroded' but the new piano's key profile took much getting used to. Very tall and square black keys. In truth, I never really came to love this axe. I had much more musically fertile years with the old clunker. I'd be interested to know if there are different 'standard' specs for piano keys.

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 1 Dec 2003 12:29 pm

I'm not a piano guy, but I recently provided some technical help to a Piano Forum.

A search in the Technicians Area might provide your answer.

Greg Vincent · Post by **Greg Vincent** » 2 Dec 2003 12:03 pm

Cool link, Joey. Thanks! -GV

Jeff A. Smith · Post by **Jeff A. Smith** » 2 Dec 2003 8:32 pm

I've tuned and repaired pianos since 1978. Although I don't recall ever seeing a set of stock black keys with varying height as you describe, I have sometimes been astonished at the consistent and deep way they can be reshaped through wear.

I just rechecked the catalogues for two suppliers that I deal with, and all black keys (both plastic and ebony) they sell are of uniform height. The only option is whether or not the edges are tapered.

If you find that some manufacturers have used black keys of varying height, please let me know.

Jeff

Greg Vincent · Post by **Greg Vincent** » 3 Dec 2003 9:39 am

Hmmm...

Maybe I'm thinking of other types of keyboards like organs and electric pianos, where the black notes are often molded plastic.