Hello,  I have been lurking on the list for some time now.  My original
post regarding the Microtonal Carillon (nearly complete) I am building
is found in MMD 990721.  My next project will be a solenoid driven
miniature piano (25 to 50 strings) with moveable bridges to allow for
flexible tuning.

Could anyone please point me to resources describing the action of
solenoid pianos?  I am particularly interested in the function of the
damping mechanism.  So any info on patents, web sites, or supply
resources would be appreciated.  Thank you.

Darren Burgess
Gainesville FL

 [ I think you're speaking of the damping function of the solenoid,
 [ not the string damper.  I don't recall much mechanical damping on
 [ the actions by Pianocorder, PianoDisc and Pianomation; possibly
 [ they employ electric damping.  The Boesendorfer SE action has thick
 [ felt discs which absorb the excess armature energy at the end of
 [ travel.  Both the Boesendorfer SE and recent Yamaha Disklavier
 [ actions employ velocity-feedback control of the solenoid speed,
 [ in order to achieve consistent hammer velocity at soft intensity.
 [  -- Robbie