At our workshop, significant attention is given to the adjustment of the mechanics. A grand piano might have a superb sound, but if the keys feel inconsistent - some heavy, some light, or not consistently responsive, then tuning alone will have limited impact. However, a correctly, evenly, and properly balanced grand piano mechanics ensures comfortable and enjoyable play, allowing the instrument to support rather than hinder musician's performance.

The Precision Touch Design system (PTD) is a modern, scientific approach for adjusting piano mechanics, enabling us to achieve this very result. This system is professionally implemented at Grand Piano Lab, and serves as the foundation for all grand piano restoration and adjustment work.

But why would a new, expensive grand piano feel uncomfortable to play? What leads to difference in sound between adjacent keys, and an imbalance in an instrument's overall sound and performance?

The simple answer is that many factories maintain their established traditions, and adopting innovations could even be perceived as abandoning the brand identity and style. Furthermore, PTD is a complex system that demands significant effort to master and requires more time working on each instrument.

The Precision Touch Design system originated with David Stanwood, a well-known American piano technician. He devised this method and refined it into a sophisticated system during the 1990s. David analyzed how leading piano factories balanced their mechanisms, and enhanced existing traditional methods with a system of precise measurements. This involved weighing each mechanical element and then calculating the optimal ratio for all components. He developed a formula to balance any mechanism to a desired outcome, reflected in both the tactile response of the instrument and its sound.

In 2008, in the Netherlands, David Stanwood's former students, Frans Pietjouw and Wim Feldhaus, co-founded the PTD academy. Since 2010, this academy has been training European technicians in the system, and they have also significantly advanced the methodology by implementing numerous practical solutions that simplify the application of David's original principles.

Nowadays, the work has become significantly easier due to specialized software that enables the input of measurement data and instantly generates graphs for precise adjustment. Measurement procedures have become more efficient and straightforward with the addition of advanced tools for calibrating hammers, keyboards, OBW washers, and other components.

But what is the essence of this method, and why is it effective? Let's go over the basics.

A heavier hammer will naturally sound louder. When a grand piano is adjusted traditionally, the tuner attempts to soften it through intonation, as well as by piercing and softening. Yet, this approach doesn't resolve the underlying problem. The mass remains, and the hammer will eventually revert to sound louder again, while the key will continue to have increased inertia, impacting its tactile response. PTD works differently. After an initial analysis which includes the geometry of the mechanics, a series of measurements and tests are conducted to pinpoint optimal parameters, followed by precise calibration of the entire mechanism, where the weight of hammers, keys, and lever ratios are all brought into perfect balance.

Sergey Stetsko, the workshop Head, completed a PTD training course in Helsinki, Finland. Under the guidance of Frans Pietjouw and Wim Feldhaus, students learned the theoretical foundations and practical applications. Then each student individually was assigned a grand piano to rework the mechanics according to the system throughout this five-days course.

Sergey Stetsko not only learned this method, but did so from its very developers. And now Sergey is a certified PTD technician.

The PTD process starts with analysis. A specialist takes measurements of the mechanics and ascertains what the client wishes to achieve. A grand piano could be intended for a soft chamber sound for home practice, or conversely, for a concert hall where it needs to produce a full sound. This assessment then helps in planning the work and identifying the components needed, a process applicable to both vintage and modern instruments.

The primary difference between PTD and traditional methods is its superior balancing precision. It means that every mechanical component has the optimal weight and aligns perfectly with others to create the desired effect.

During the work process, a specialist repeatedly measures the mechanical elements according to various parameters and inputs the obtained data into specialized software to generate graphs. These graphs then show what changes need to be made. During the analysis stage, 18 evenly spaced test keys are used across the full range. If the graphs confirm that these keys are functioning correctly, it’s highly likely that the other 88 keys will also perform similarly. This is very meticulous work.

These measurements require a specific set of tools, which include special software, OBW washers, balancing weights and a Key Measuring Device (KMD). A PTD table and laboratory scales are also used in this process.

A professional pianist will immediately feel the difference. On an instrument with PTD-adjusted mechanics, the keys feel intuitive, as if “the hands play themselves”. They provide consistent and predictable responses, ensuring no note feels “heavier”, demands extra effort, or a sound comes out too loud even with a light touch.

PTD is about providing musicians with the same degree of control over their instrument that they typically get from the world's finest grand pianos, applying it not only to new premium models, but also to restored vintage ones.

Mechanical adjustment is no less critical than grand piano tuning. It's only through precisely balanced mechanics that a pianist can truly express themselves, playing accurately, effortlessly and freely. PTD is the means to achieve truly perfect mechanics.

At Grand Piano Lab, every grand piano is treated as a unique project. We now adjust all grand pianos in our workshop using the Precision Touch Design system, and this is a key part of our restoration process. It is this system that truly offers the precision you can hear and touch.

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