1.  From a philosophical point of view, which do you consider the
    easiest and most perfect of the three types of actions?  Also give
    reasons.

    2.  Considering the wippen and its attachments as one part, how
    many parts move when a key is struck in the upright piano?  How
    many in the square?

    3.  Name the parts found in the upright action that are absent in
    the square.

    4.  Describe the three methods by which soft tone is obtained from
    use of soft pedal in the three types of actions.

    5.  What rail serves two purposes in the square action, and what
    are they?  What rail serves two purposes in the grand action, and
    what are they?

LESSON V.

REGULATING AND REPAIRING.

FAULTS IN PIANOS, ASIDE FROM THE ACTION, AND THEIR REMEDIES.

One of the most common, and, at the same time, most annoying conditions both to the owner of the piano and the tuner, is the “sympathetic rattle.”  This trouble is most usual in the square and the grand pianos and is generally due to some loose substance lying on the sound board.  The rattle will be apparent only when certain keys are struck, other tones being perfectly free from it.  These tones cause the sound board to vibrate in sympathy, so to speak, with the weight of the intruding substance at the point where it lies, and if it be moved the distance of six inches it will sometimes cease to respond to these particular tones, but may respond to others, or cease to cause any trouble.

The article may generally be found near the front of the sound board under the top piece of the case, this being the place where it would most likely fall.  No special instrument is made for the purpose of searching for such objects, but one can be easily devised with which the tuner can feel all over the sound board, and remove such articles as well as dust and dirt.  Secure a piece of rattan or good pliable hickory, and draw it down to the width of half an inch, thin enough to bend easily, and long enough to reach anywhere under the stringing or metal plate.  By putting a cloth over this stick you can remove anything that comes in its way.  Some difficulty will be found, however, in getting under the plate in some pianos.  In case you cannot procure a suitable piece of wood, a piece of clock spring will be found to answer very well.  We have taken from pianos such articles as pencils, pieces of candy, dolls, pointers used by music teachers, tacks, nails, pennies, buttons, pieces of broken lamp chimneys, etc., etc., any one of which is sufficient to render the piano unfit for use.  The sound board of the upright being vertical prevents its being subject to the above difficulty.