PIANO ACTION DIAGRAMS

The piano's engine is called the "action" and includes the hammers and related parts along with the keys. There are three main types of piano action and each type will have minor variations from piano to piano according to manufacturer: the spinet or "drop action", which is a shortened version of the upright and lifts the hammers from below the keys; the upright or vertical piano action, which may be the older style with extensions or "stickers" on very large, upright pianos, or the "direct blow" type found in most modern console and concert uprights where there is direct contact from the key to the whippen; and the grand piano action, which has a radically different operation from the other two main types.

Also on this page is an exploded view of a grand piano's construction.

Action Diagrams - click images for closeup view	...back to top

	Spinet "Drop" Action The keys in the spinet action have rods that extend downward below the keyboard to lift the hammer parts. ...back to top

	Upright Action This diagram is of a more modern style with what is sometimes termed "direct blow" action, where the key capstans push directly on the wippens instead of via "stickers". ...back to top

	Upright Action The illustration is of the old style action found in tall, early 20th century pianos. Modern pianos don't have the "sticker" extensions and are not quite so tall. ...back to top

	Grand piano action This type of action operates on a radically different principle from the uprights, but offers superior control. It requires an expert technician to put it in correct operating adjustment. ...back to top

	Grand Piano Exploded View An exploded view of a grand piano, showing how the action slides into the piano. ...back to top

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