Clavinets and Piano keys

[Mark Glinsky]

>This is a slightly different question than most of what I've seen on this
>list, but I am interested in building a clavinet.  I have searched the web
>in vain in hope of finding schematics.  I understand the general
>principles, but I need to know things like, can I use guitar strings? what
>kind of pick-ups are used?  How long are the strings or how much tension
>is applied to each?  I also am not quite sure how the keys work.  This
>leads me to my second question.  I am interested in building a weighted
>keyboard to add to a diy project.  Can someone recommend a good site or
>book that deals with the different piano feel simulation techniques, and
>construction of keyboards using them?  Thanks.

Clavinets do, in fact, use guitar strings.
I have the schematics for the Clavinet D6 and Clavinet / Pianet Duo.

The keys have a piece of metal underneath with a rubber tip on it, 
that presses the string against a piece of flat metal.  The vibrations
are then picked up by the pickup (which is essentially similar to a 
single-coil guitar pickup, I believe).  It's the same principle as the
Clavichord (hence, the name).

_______________________________________________________
 Mark Glinsky -   Orlando, Florida
 Email:                 mglnsky at magicnet.net
 Manual Manor:   http://www.magicnet.net/~mglnsky/msg4.html
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