The Double Hammer Rest Rail. Mystery solved

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(We moved our blog to this platform- dates may not reflect original posting dates)

For many musicians, this feature is important for several key reasons:

• Faster Note Repetition: Standard upright actions require the key to be almost fully released before it can be played again. A double rail system often works in tandem with a repetition spring or a "split" design to allow the hammer to reset much faster, enabling rapid trills and repeated notes that are otherwise difficult on a vertical piano.

• Reduced "Lost Motion": In traditional uprights, using the soft (una corda) pedal moves the entire hammer rail closer to the strings, which can create "lost motion"—a gap between the key and the action that makes the touch feel "mushy". A double or auxiliary rail helps maintain a consistent connection between the key and the hammer even when the soft pedal is engaged, ensuring the touch remains responsive.

• Greater Dynamic Range: By allowing for a "half-blow" position without sacrificing tactile feedback, the musician can play pianissimo (very softly) with much more precision and control.

• Mechanical Stability: The extra rail provides a more stable at-rest position for the hammers, which prevents them from "bouncing" or double-striking during aggressive playing. This leads to a cleaner, more predictable performance.

The action of a classical double hammer rest rail structure ensures that the hammer shanks can lean on the hammer rest rail more accurately and safely while reducing pedal sound and meeting the criteria for the pianist who performs complex music compositions.

Many Ritmüller Pianos utilize a classical double hammer rest rail structure. This ensures hammer shanks lean on the rail more securely, reducing mechanical pedal sound and supporting complex, high-speed compositions.

Explore our new and pre-owned pianos at:

https://www.napervillemusic.com/pianos-and-keyboards

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About Naperville Music

Naperville Music has been a trusted piano dealer in the Chicago area for over 50 years. Naperville Music offers new acoustic pianos from Pearl River, and Ritmuller, Digital Pianos from Yamaha and Pearl River, as well as pre-owned instruments from most major manufacturers including Yamaha, Kawai, Baldwin, Roland, Casio and others.  If you are in Chicago or the Chicago suburbs, be sure to check our our modern piano showroom before you make your piano purchase.

For more piano information, including helpful videos and detailed product descriptions, visit https://www.napervillemusic.com/pianos-and-keyboards

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The information and views expressed in our blog posts are gathered from various sources, and are consistent with the views of Naperville Music. Pianos, whether new, used, or digital are a very personal purchase and you should experience any piano to be sure it meets your specific needs before you purchase one.