Key-leveling Tabs - Instruction for Use

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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Replay

Remove the key slip; the action can remain on top of the keys. Uprights—Remove lost motion. Grands—The hammers must not touch the rest rail or rest felt.
Block keys 1 and 88 to the desired height, and place a rigid straight edge across the keys. (The Rawson True-Edge is Ideal)
Shine a bright light under the keys. A Mini MagLite is perfect for this.
Insert the key leveling tab puller between the front rail pins, parallel to the key button, and hook it into the eyelet of the selected tab. It helps to keep both eyes open.
Pull the tab, watching the key rise. Stop when the key touches the straight edge.

Level all the naturals first. The sharps can be leveled later, (once depth of touch and aftertouch measurements are determined). Setting the sharp dip in relation to the leveled white keys before setting sharp height is recommended.*
Press down on top of the key buttons to help compress the tabs and balance punchings.
Square & space the keys, and then fine level.

* If you have leveled a key too high, lift the key slightly at the front, use the puller tool to push the cloth balance punching upward slightly on the balance pin, (this releases the tab), then gently push the tab toward the back rail. (This takes practice, but you eventually will know just when the key reaches level so you won’t have to do this.)