Action Regulation

While tuning and voicing improve a piano’s sound, action regulation is what makes a piano’s touch feel great.

The action consists of thousands of carefully aligned parts that transmit the movement of the keys to the hammers. Made primarily from wood, the action parts are also affected by temperature and humidity, which causes them to slip out of regulation.

The back action from a grand piano in Gig Harbor, Washington.

When an action is out of regulation, the player may experience an inconsistent touch with uneven response from the keys. Action parts may experience excessive friction, leading to accelerated wear and potentially costly repairs.

Regulating the action is crucial for optimal piano performance and is a key part of maintenance. A well-regulated, voiced, and tuned piano allows musicians to fully express their musical vision without struggling against the instrument. Humidity control helps keep tuning, voicing and regulation stable.