NOTE: Key-leveling Tabs cannot be used under Steinway balance bearings due to the adjacent felt on the balance rail. Key-leveling tabs cannot be used as directed when installed in pianos with a non-removable key slip.

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Directions for Installation

Bed the key frame.
Remove the action stack & keys. (Easiest when keys are already out for another job)
Place Key Leveling Tabs (Smooth Side Up) over the balance pins, under the balance punchings as shown. Make sure there are no punchings under the tabs. Use the 4-¾”, 121mm (gray tip) tabs for sharps and the 4”, 102mm (white tip) tabs for naturals. Make sure the tabs are all the way back on the balance pins as shown. Occasionally, the tabs get bent during shipping. If this occurs, simply bend them so that they lay flat on the balance rail as shown below. If the piano is moved often, make sure the cloth punchings are snug on the balance pins.

Note: the tab tips are bent down intentionally to increase visibility.

Key-leveling tabs installed on key pins.

Re-Install the keys
Adjust the balance rail and/or add or remove paper punchings on top of the tabs to get the keys within 1/16” (1.5mm) low before adjusting the tabs’ position. On most pianos, the tabs can raise key height about 1/8”, however leaving room for future leveling is desirable. If the keys were close to level before installation, you might not have to do much if any alteration. A simple sand bag on the back of the keys works well for this pre-leveling.