I'm actually a bit surprised that no "standard" has developed, at least among "similar styles" of instruments. Keypad shape and spacing varies, and it can sometimes really throw you off, for awhile anyway. And some makers supply their keys with faces (the place you press on the keys) that aren't parallel to the keybox, they follow a curve which I suppose addresses some ergonomic issue. I am not used to that setup at all and I find it very difficult to just pick up such an instrument and play with anything that even remotely resembles my ability on an "old-fashioned" straight keyboard.
To each his own, as they say, and if you are going to go around playing instruments from many makers, the ability to adapt to differences in key spacing and feel is one that you will need to develop... ~ Matt > It's not quite that simple, however. The math will tell you where the > slats are, but not the heads of the keys, since they can be positioned > differently with respect to the head. Compare the keyboard of a > Hungarian instrument with a French-style one and you will find that > the spacing and feel are quite different (complete with what look like > errors in the Hungarian instrument that aren't errors at all!). > > That said, I have yet to notice any practical problems with different > spacing at all, so I'm not sure this is a major issue in practical > terms. > > -Arle > > > On Feb 13, 2008, at 11:12 AM, Chris Nogy wrote: > >> Assuming the same scale length, (string length), the standards are >> set by math, not arbitrarily. >> >> One apparently standard string length is 345 mm. That sets the >> tangent positions, and thus the key spacing. How the keys are >> finished off, of course, will give you a little different feel, but >> the key spacing is as set for HG as the keys are on a piano or the >> frets on a guitar. >> >> Chris >> >> >> >> >> *********** REPLY SEPARATOR *********** >> >> On 2/13/2008 at 6:53 AM Melvin Dorries wrote: >> I am wondering if there is a standard size for key buttons and their >> spacing? >> >> Seems to me that it would be nice to pick up instruments made by >> various builders and have the fingering positions all be in the same >> place. Assuming the same scale length is used of course. >> >> Does anyone know if standards have been established or proposed and >> where I may get them? >> >> Thanks >> Mel >> >> Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. >> Try it now. > >
