Measure 7 Regulation Parameters.
David Hayes of Artisan Piano Services approached us with the idea of making a regulation gauge. A few brainstorming sessions over video chat resulted in the idea for a gauge that performs seven functions.
Introducing the Artisan 7-In-One Regulation Gauge. The gauge is made of stainless steel, and stores in a plastic case to protect the gauge from being bent or damaged when not in use. The case is opened and closed with an easy-to-use, flexible polyurethane "zip strip."
Use the gauge to assess the following regulation parameters:
1. Let Off (1/8")*
2. Checking (5/8")
3. Blow Distance (1-7/8")
4. Key Dip (10mm)
5. Sharp Height (12mm)
6. Key Height from Key Bed (60 & 65mm)
7. Aftertouch (gauge thickness is 1.5mm, or 0.059")
*We don't suggest 1/8" for fine grand let off regulation, although many technicians use 1/8" as a target for uprights. Due to the thickness of the sheet steel (which facilitates the aftertouch function), a 1/16" wide grand letoff "arm" was not possible. For grands, the let off portion of the gauge may still be helpful in roughly assessing the state of let off before regulation, or for demonstrating to a client that let off is too far.
Video demonstrating the gauge functions.
This video shows the previous version of the plastic case, but the actual gauge has not changed. We plan to redo the video in the near future.