A Precision Study of Piano Touch and Tone

Abstract

The loudness and tone quality of a piano note are determined by the motion of the hammer at the time of its impact with the string—theoretically, by its velocity, acceleration and higher time derivatives. Practically, due to the great rigidity of the hammer shank, the influence of the acceleration and higher derivatives is negligible. This study presents exact quantitative confirmation of the findings of other investigators that the loudness and tone of a piano note are uniquely determined by the velocity of the hammer at the time of impact with the string.