wippenadjusting

Wippen adjusting refers to adjustments made to the wippen, a central lever in a piano action. In most grand pianos, the wippen sits between the key and the hammer and carries the jack and the repetition lever. As the key is pressed, the wippen translates vertical motion into the hammer’s movement and coordinates with the let-off, backcheck, and other action parts. In upright pianos, related levers and assemblies perform a similar regulatory role, though terminology may vary by maker.

Purpose and effect: Proper wippen adjustment is part of overall action regulation. It ensures consistent touch across the keyboard, accurate let-off timing, correct hammer blow, and reliable repetition. Misadjusted wippen geometry can produce a heavy or light feel, early or late let-off, uneven touch, or mis-timed hammer strikes, and it can also affect repetition efficiency.

Common aspects of adjustment: Technicians examine the wippen’s alignment with the balance rail, ensure it sits square and moves freely without binding, and verify that the jack engages the hammer smoothly. Let-off distance may be adjusted by modifying the position or clearance at the wippen’s interaction with the jack or its let-off screw. Hammer height, backcheck clearance, and the interaction with the repetition lever are checked and tuned as needed. In many cases, wippen regulation requires coordinated tweaks to adjacent parts, including capstan screws, flange alignment, and alignment of the hammer butt.

Procedural notes: Wippen adjusting requires precise measurement and careful testing across the keyboard. Tools commonly used include regulator screwdrivers, feeler gauges, and reference test keys. Because the wippen interacts with several components, adjustments are typically performed as part of comprehensive action regulation by a trained piano technician.

See also: piano action, regulation, let-off, backcheck, repetition.