The QuicKey Leveler Apparatus

The QuicKey Leveler™ Apparatus is a universal, light weight, simple to use device that gives the technician precise key height data that is used in conjunction with the QuicKey Leveler™ Software Program for easy piano key leveling. The key leveling tool consists of a rail assembly, two mounting clamps, a set-up gauge, a precision digital dial indicator assembly, and a convenient carrying case that doubles as a portable work table. Unlike other key leveling tools, only the QuicKey Leveler's™ patent pending method of key leveling offers the following features;

Is unaffected by the condition of the key bed (natural sag in the middle)

Has a mounting arrangement that accounts for the front to back incline of the keys

Accurately determines the state of the keys levelness without any piano disassembly

Considers the two furthest keys in the set (A0 and C8)

Allows the keys to be leveled in a straight plane or any height arc

Minimizes interruption to the action

Accommodates and corrects set-up inaccuracies

The technician begins by setting the mounting clamp assemblies onto the key block at either end of the key bed. A pistol style clamp is close to the outer vertical rim of the key bed adjacent to the key blocks. The rounded edges of the clamping block and a non-marring clamp pad assure that the piano’s finish is protected.

After the mounting clamps are set in place, the rail assembly is affixed to the mounting clamp arms. A set up gauge is attached to the rail at both ends.

The Set Up Gauge:

Assures that the rail is set the proper distance from the front of the keys. The red knob is turned in and out to make this adjustment.

Assures the rail is set parallel to the keys to match the angle of the keys (front to back). The brass knob is turned in and out to change the angle of the rail to match the angle of the keys

Assures that the rail is set at the proper height above the keys. The thumb screws under the rail mounting bars raise and lower the rail to set the correct height.

With the rail locked down in position, the apparatus is ready to start taking dimensional data on the rest and depressed position of each white and black key. The precision digital dial indicator assembly is placed at either end of the key board and zeroed at the most extreme white key in the rest position. The technician slides the indicator assembly across the keyboard taking note of the rest and depressed position of each white key. Note that the assembly includes a counter balance system that reads the key position without actuating the key.

Once the position data has been taken for the white keys, the technician moves the indicator assembly from the front of the rail trolley to the rear of the trolley where the position data is taken for the black keys.

The technician returns the key leveling tool to the storage case and enters the key position data into the QuicKey Leveler™ Software. Click on the SOFTWARE button on the left for details on how the key position data is used to finish the key leveling process.

Automatic Data Input Option

The QuicKey Leveler optional Data Input Tool allows the user to automatically transfer the key position data from the digital indicator directly into the Software Program via a USB port. This option eliminates the need for manual data entry making the method more accurate and further speeding up the job.