The illustration accompanying this lesson is from a Wessell, Nickel
and Gross Upright action. This firm, whose product is considered the
acme of perfection, makes nothing but actions. Most manufacturers of
pianos, of the present day, build the wooden frame, the sound-board
and the case only; the action, metal plate, strings, tuning-pins,
etc., being purchased from different firms who make a specialty of the
manufacture of these parts. A few concerns, however, make every piece
that enters into the composition of the instruments bearing their
names.

[Illustration]

_Ky_, is the Key in its resting position.

_c_, wherever found, represents a cushion of felt or soft leather upon
which the different parts of the action rest or come in contact with
each other. Their purpose, as is readily seen, is that of rendering
the action noiseless and easy of operation.

_Bnc R_, shows the end of the balance rail, extending the entire
length of the keyboard.

_B P_, is the balance pin. This is a perfectly round pin driven firmly
in the balance rail. The bottom of the hole in the key fits closely
around the balance pin; at the top, it is the shape of a mortise,
parallel with the key, which allows the key to move only in the
direction intended. The mortise in the wooden cap on top of the key at
this point is lined with bushing cloth which holds the key in position
laterally, and prevents looseness and rattling, yet allows the key to
move easily.