John, Its absolutely standard or at the least very common
The last top row key is usually either F or F# Adjust the the tangents for your desired note, its only a few mm of movement Some modern HGs have got separate keys for each note I don't know how they fit them in I use all the keys right up to the top Some players may choose not to for whatever reason The upper octave is especially sweet on a low G chanter Graham -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of John Tappan Sent: 22 April 2008 18:55 To: [email protected] Subject: [HG] BUILD: Key placements (2) To All- If this posts twice, please ignore one or the other. In studying the keybox layout on the plans from Michel Pignol's book, the F5 key is located on the upper (accidental) row of keys. I know that space is tight toward the wheel end of the keybox, and I'm guessing that it's moved up for that reason. I'm also guessing that's why there's no F5' (F5#) key in sight-just not enough space to get it in. I gather by reading this list that those really high notes may not be used all that often. Is this a standard/traditional key arrangement, or something that Mssr Pignol just opted for? It seems a bit "quirky," but that would be in keeping with the character of the hurdy-gurdy itself-it's all pretty quirky. Some builders refer to a "full two octave" range, which should include that last accidental note. Is it primarily a matter of narrowing the key blanks and making smaller holes to make room (assuming the tangent can still be adjusted properly)? And even so, is it worth the effort to make those changes? Thanks for responses in advance. John T
