Action Regulation
Denver Piano Regulation
Adjusting your action to factory specifications for optimum performance.
Tuning sets the pitch of the strings. Regulation sets the feel. Over time the felt compresses and wood parts settle, so the action no longer responds the way it was built to — keys feel uneven, the touch goes shallow or heavy, and fast or soft passages get harder to control.
Regulation re-adjusts all of those moving parts back to factory specification, restoring an even, responsive touch from the lowest bass note to the top treble.
Signs your piano needs regulation
- Uneven key height or keys that feel inconsistent to play
- A touch that feels shallow, heavy, or sluggish
- Notes that don't repeat quickly or don't play softly on demand
- A piano that's tuned but still doesn't feel right under the hands
What regulation involves
There are 8–10 separate adjustments per key — around 800 in total — many set to within a few thousandths of an inch. We level the keys, set key travel, and adjust the action so the roughly 5,000 parts work together as designed.
Grand actions are usually removed and brought to our shop's regulation bench; upright actions are typically regulated in your home. Most clients are amazed at the difference once it's done.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between tuning and regulation?
Tuning adjusts the pitch of the strings. Regulation adjusts the mechanical action — the parts that connect your fingers to the hammers — so the touch is even and responsive. They're separate services that work together.
How often does a piano need to be regulated?
Home pianos typically benefit from regulation every several years; heavily played and performance pianos need it more often. We can tell you where your piano stands during a service visit.
How long does a regulation take?
An action-only regulation takes roughly 6 hours; adding keyboard regulation can add another 4–6. Grand actions are usually completed in our shop.
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Want your piano to feel right again?
Book online in under two minutes, or send us a note and we'll take it from there.