Keyboard Phenomena

There are several reasons why I am working on making a rolling system for the small Zuckermann single manual to be rolled out to the stage.

First of all, picking up any harpsichord contorts and flexes the keywell and front end of the case, which is akin to the steel string style of guitar playing where they strum a cord and then flex the neck of the guitar for a type of “whammy bar” effect.

Clearly, a finely tuned harpsichord should not be subjected to stresses that blow up its entire stability.

Even though it mostly comes back into rough tune when the instrument is set back down on the ground, theres no guarantee any pitches will be where I left them, and the overtones might not be as clear.

So this is a mock-up, if only a simple one, of what a rolling truck would ultimately look like.

These tri-cornered wheel platforms I bought from harbor freight, so they’re super cheap and roll rather noisy, with some vibration. Still, it gives me the ability to brainstorm. Maybe by tying them together with bracing, the excess vibration will go away.

Oftentimes with concept projects like this, it’s better to just throw something together and revise later as many times as needed, as opposed to attempting to make it perfect on the first go.

There is one threshold with a significant bump as one enters the recital hall that is bound to be the most risky place in the move. The bracing between these rolling platforms will serve to prevent the tri-corn dollies from capsizing or slipping out from underneath the instrument.