I want a variable action keyboard

Post by **garyb** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 10:11 am

the peavey already did have variable action 10 years ago...

Michu · Post by **Michu** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 12:02 pm

sure, but it still seems a cool idea to discuss

kensuguro · Post by **kensuguro** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:58 pm

well, you're right about the weight. I don't think the specifics really matter, just the concept of being able to adjust certain things is already cool enough. Actually, take another step back. A controller wtih quality keys is already better than most of the not-so-good controllers out there. Let alone, an action modeled on the rhodes don't even exist, amidst all the physical models of rhodes.

Actually, I was thinking of tackling the weight problem by changing the distance between the center of rotation of the hammer, to the contact point with the key. It's just an idea, but I'm guessing that the distance would change the resistance.. but this is all just ideas. I think I'm going to have to go buy some materials.

My point of view on re-inventing the wheel is that every time things get re-invented, it gets better.

Michu · Post by **Michu** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 2:50 pm

kensuguro wrote:My point of view on re-inventing the wheel is that every time things get re-invented, it gets better.

Michu · Post by **Michu** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 3:00 pm

btw, Ken take a look at that trebuchet model
http://www.eccentricgenius.ca/Products3.htm
floating arm design would allow much easier control of the distance of weight across all the keys

Counterparts · Post by **Counterparts** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 1:51 am

Michu wrote:regarding electromagnets, the problem is that perceived 'weight' of keys is about inertia not resistance

Inertia is defined as the resistance to movement I thought

you'd need something like a hammer mechanism with a weight on a lever, where you could adjust position of a weight so the action would be adjusted by priciple of lever, the further the weight the heavier the action.

It could be difficult to adjust each key so they all had the same weight though, unless the mechanism allowed for adjusting all keys at once.

Post by **garyb** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 2:45 am

it's a dynamic weight and the striking of a firm, but elastic string with a padded hammer in a piano . an organ is just an on-off switch and a spring. hmmm. you want magic! how about the Matrix?

Michu · Post by **Michu** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 7:51 am

inertia is a resistance to acceleration/decceleration
adjusting all keys at once is doable, esp if weights would be forced into vertical or horizontal motion iso circular
and i definitely want a keyboard with bullet time for extra fast solos

Counterparts · Post by **Counterparts** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:08 am

Perhaps the key to all this is to find a keyboard which is weighted suitably for one's playing style?

I reckon a set of miniature Ohlins shock absorbers with fully adjustable preload, rebound & compression damping would be the way to go. In addition, the absorbers could be filled with a magnetorheological fluid, allowing for adjustment of the rate of suspension by the application of a magnetic field.

Michu · Post by **Michu** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 10:19 am

i can perfectly understand Ken's starting point, as action of rhodes keyboard is something special and i don't know of any master keyboard that would be weighted similarly.
I was thinking for a moment about shock absorbers, but they are designed primarily to provide resistance not to emulate inertia, but most importantly i decided that i wouldn't want anything containing liquid and possibly leaking near studio... not to mention the cost of 88 shock absorbers would be a pure outrage