Paul Perzina

Biography

Paul Perzina, of Schwerin, is credited with solving the chief practical objection to the Janko keyboard: its previously unelastic touch. By converting the double leverage of the key to a single movement, he restored the desired elastic feel. He also devised a reversible double key-bottom so that a single piano could be fitted with either the Janko or the conventional keyboard. Described as 'a firm believer in the future of the Janko keyboard,' Perzina constructed an ingenious practice clavier for students, giving the full Janko keyboard layout paired with a tone-producing hammer action that struck a brass reed, loud enough for the player but quiet enough not to disturb neighbors, while requiring the same touch as a regular piano action. Patent illustrations in the text credit the firm 'Gebr. Perzina, Schwerin i.M.' with the key mechanism.

Highlights

• Changed the Janko keyboard's double-leverage key action to a single movement, restoring an elastic touch
• Invented a reversible double key-bottom letting a piano carry both the Janko and ordinary keyboards
• Built a practice clavier with a Janko keyboard and a hammer-and-reed tone mechanism for students

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), pp. 80, 81, 83.

Public domain.