I have been doing some modeling of actions with wood, but found that most of what i am doing is too complicated. What are some of the simplist actions you know of. Alsp, what is the difference between a fixed backchech and a backcheck connected to the hammer?

Instead of making action parts from scratch, why don't you call around and ask a piano technician for some old spare parts?

I have a project in mind of creating a very simple action. Kind of a try it before i make a whole piano.

By hand I don't know. But simpler, maybe.

I've never actually played one of these, but I have been impressed for a long time.

http://www.mmdigest.com/Tech/HickmanAction/index.html

Jean

Tec,
This toy piano has a rudimentary action in it. You may want to take some ideas from this design. The photos of the parts should be self-explanatory, but if not, let me know and I'll post a video of it in operation.

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/101597730368241784882/albums/5842408524261337921

Hope this helps,
Chris S.

Certainly the easiest action to replicate is the clavichord action.

Probably after that comes something like the Zumpe action, where a fixed stick pushes against something like a knuckle, and just slides out from under when it is raised high enough. That would be like the action on a Rhodes.

A basic Viennese action is a little more sophisticated, but not much.

Even simpler than BDB describes would be a fixed stick, with let off determined by key dip, and a nifty catcher. That should repeat well.

PS Google's Zumpe Piano Action images suggests a catcher is not necessary.

i was thinking of making a modified version of a Rhodes. i have also tried the fixed jack and key dip let off. It doesn't seem to create enough force.