I’m always glad when good news arrives from our profession, especially when it involves something new. We need it. In times like these, when the piano industry is struggling, such innovations help lift our spirits and restore a sense of balance.

So when Christoph Schulz (master piano builder and CEO of Gebr. Schulz) shared a video with me showcasing a clever new solution for piano key leveling, I got excited. And now I get to share it with you because this is the kind of innovation that sparks discussion (and raises some questions we all want answered).

Rudolf: What kind of work are you doing these days, and how are you handling the not-so-bright situation in the piano industry? If I’m not mistaken, you’re also involved in manufacturing - is that right?
Christoph: It’s more difficult for us these days than it used to be, but we’re not giving up - we’re doing our best to keep growing and moving forward. Besides our traditional piano service and restoration work, we manufacture and distribute our own brand: Gebr. Schulz, founded in 1888 by Albert and Franz Schulz. Today, we produce several upright and grand models (UP G-20 and G-30; GP G-70 and G-90) in our factory in Pujiang/Chengdu, China, and distribute them in China, Germany, and the USA.
 

Rudolf: What made you develop this solution - was it rising paper prices in Germany?
Christoph:  Not exactly :). I wanted a solution to make the regulation process faster and the results more stable, while also reducing stress on the key bottom, which is damaged in about 95% of all pianos due to factory key leveling.
 

Rudolf: I must agree. Removing a key while the action stays in place is, in most cases, downright frustrating. With older and low-profile pianos, even my hair starts turning gray. And since I have so few left, I’m under strict orders to preserve them — my wife insists.
So, let's take a closer look at what exactly is happening. What are you changing, and how?

Christoph: Let's examine the original system first. The balance pin has two functions at two points:

1. Together with the key button, it prevents the key from moving horizontally.

2. Together with the key button, it allows the key to pivot forward but prevents rotation along the longitudinal axis.

I separated these two functions.

- Pin A is shorter and sits in the original balance pin location, with a disk below the key bottom and a threaded insert in the balance rail. This pin handles function #1 (horizontal stability).

- Pin B is placed near Pin A and handles function #2 (pivoting control).

By adjusting Pin A's height with a tool through the key button, we can level the key without paper washers. You might ask why I separated the functions instead of using a single-threaded pin with a disk - I believe the advantages are clear.

Rudolf: So Pin A still sits in the original balance pin position - just shorter and now adjustable?
Christoph: Yes, Pin A occupies the original spot but is shorter (though it could be longer - there's just no need). Its diameter can also be customized independently. In my model, I used a larger diameter for added stability.

Rudolf: Does it change the original geometry or add friction? What are the chances that the key will come off the new, adjustable balance pin?
Christoph: No changes to geometry and no additional friction. Once the key stop rail is installed, the system is secure. The length of Pin A can also be adjusted to suit the piano model's requirements.

Rudolf: What's your goal with this innovation?

Christoph: We will implement it in our own keyboards. We've already discussed production with a company in China, and they've agreed to manufacture keyboards using this system. We're also open to supplying other piano manufacturers with this technology.

Rudolf: I’m afraid I can’t let you off the hook so easily. Through this industry portal, I aim to represent not just manufacturers but also piano technicians and workshops around the world. I’m confident that many of them would gladly adopt this innovation in their restoration work. So, I’m lobbying on their behalf - can we work something out?

Christoph: Absolutely. Your suggestion to create a technician-friendly kit makes total sense and we’ll make it happen.

Perfect! And for the suggestion - next time we meet, remember: I’m a fan of German draft beer.
Finally, just a quick note to our readers: if you haven’t subscribed to our newsletter yet, now’s the time. You’ll be the first to know when the kit becomes available!
 

Until then, let’s keep supporting the positive, the innovative, and each other.