Hi all,  This is in regards to the Pianomation thread running
presently.  I agree almost totally with D. L Bullock's analysis of
the problems associated with key lift problems.  Now, to throw my
stick into the works...

I was recently in Seneca, PA, talking to both Mark and John Omiatek
regarding installations into various pianos.  I participated in
putting one in a Hyundai (Samick) baby grand (less than 6-foot length)
and discussed spinet installations, since I own a 1939 Story & Clark
Storytone (one of the earliest electronic pianos) and I wanted to mate
the two technologies.

I admit I haven't installed anywhere near 200 of these, but the ones
I have installed work beautifully from pianissimo to fortissimo with
no problem.  As D. L. Bullock says, the trick is in getting the solenoid
stroke correct, which is also what Mark showed me.

As far as spinets go, due to space limitations, the keytop version is
best, which is also what they told me.  In most spinets you're hard
pressed to find enough room for all the components below the keyboard,
with the exception of the Lester Betsy Ross that was made with a
compact non-drop style action.

I hope I haven't bored too many with my diatribe, but if I have,
just scroll on...

In the now frozen North.
Dan Armstrong
Armstrong Piano Tuning & Repair
Pine River, MN