Grand Action Calibration!

Most people think a piano just needs a regular tuning, but there's a whole new level of care that can make a dramatic difference in how your instrument feels and responds. At Artisan, we call it a Grand Action Calibration, and it's one of the most powerful upgrades you can do without the cost or time of a full regulation.

Let’s walk you through what it is, how it works, and why it’s changing the way people care for their pianos.

 

🎯 What Is a Grand Action Calibration?

A Grand action calibration is a mid-tier service that adjusts several critical regulation points in your piano’s action. While it’s not a full regulation, it significantly improves the touch, consistency, and responsiveness of the instrument.

Typical time: 45–60 minutes

 

🔧 What We Adjust

Here’s what a typical Grand action calibration includes:

1. Blow Distance

• Target: 1 ⅞ inches

• Aligns the hammer line for consistent response across all notes.

2. Let-Off

• Target: ⅛ inch

• Controls how close the hammer gets to the string before release—key to dynamic control.

3. Drop

• Target: ⅛ inch below let-off

• Ensures the hammer drops properly for fast repetition and smooth playing.

4. Backchecking

• Target: ⅝ inch

• Helps the hammers stop at the right height for even response and stability.

Each of these adjustments works together to improve the overall playing experience—making the piano feel more precise, expressive, and enjoyable to play.

 

🧰 Tools of the Trade

For fellow piano techs or curious readers, we use:

• Regulation Gauge

• Capstan Adjusters (square and barrel-style)

• Let-Off Tools

• Drop Screw Regulators

• Backcheck Tools

These tools allow for efficient, high-quality adjustments—all done with the action still inside the piano for most steps.

 

💬 How We Offer It

We usually introduce calibration at the end of a tuning appointment—not before. Why?

Because once a customer sees and hears the difference a well-done tuning makes, it’s the perfect moment to show how it could feel even better.

Example conversation:

“I tuned your piano, adjusted the pedals, and tightened the bench. It’s sounding great—but I noticed the hammer line is uneven, and you’re missing some aftertouch. I can upgrade you to a Signature Service today and calibrate the action while I’m already here. It’ll make a big difference.”

It’s low-pressure, adds real value, and most clients say yes on the spot.

📈 Why This Matters

This service is part of a bigger shift in how we think about piano care. We're moving beyond “just tuning” and into real maintenance—helping your piano feel amazing every time you sit down to play.

Customers love it. Technicians love doing it. And best of all—it’s helping people fall in love with their pianos again.

 

✅ Quick Specs (For the Technically Curious)

• Blow Distance: 1 ⅞"

• Let-Off: ⅛"

• Drop: ⅛" below let-off

• Backchecking: ⅝"