Automatic Key Presser for Tuning
This radio-controlled, automatic single-key presser for manual and pedal keyboards—with octave switching for manual keyboards—stands out for its simplicity despite its high quality. It also offers flexibility for use with a wide variety of keyboard ranges and, thanks to its light weight, is easy to transport—making it a great help during tuning.
When used with a manual, it is placed directly on the keyboard and is therefore independent of a side support or the shape of the keyboard sides. Key ranges shorter or longer than standard lengths are no problem and can be reprogrammed and even saved for later use. This ensures that the key actuator is always immediately ready for use when switching from one organ to another, even with differing key ranges. When used on the pedal keyboard, the manual version is simply extended and positioned over the pedal keyboard using side feet and longer push-rod assemblies with additional weight. The configuration (parallel, radial, etc.) of the pedal keyboard is no problem thanks to the freely adjustable spacing.
Even with shorter manual keyboards (down to C–f³), the entire device always remains within the keyboard brackets and is thus independent of the shape of the brackets. For even shorter manual keyboards, the device comes with an extension rail that, together with the pedal extension rail, allows even these shorter keyboard ranges to be operated within the keyboard sides. This prevents any disruptive protrusion outside the keyboard sides. Side-mounted stop panels, regardless of their design, do not restrict the key action.
Another major advantage is its light weight. For transport, the entire unit is housed in a lightweight, sturdy case, making it very easy to take from place to place. Total weight is approximately 11 kg, including all parts required for pedal operation. This key presser is also suitable for air travel, as the individual parts can be carried in a standard suitcase. This is an invaluable advantage for today’s organ tuners, who often have to travel long distances. Thus, this valuable tool can also be used in distant foreign countries.
The manual rail for the key-pressing cart can be positioned so that keyboard ranges from C–f³ to C–c4 can be operated using the same setup**. This is possible because the “cart” can move along the rail on both the right and left sides. For smaller manual ranges or for use with the pedalboard, the additional rails are simply attached. The “cart” is equipped with two motor-driven and therefore powerful actuators for pressing the manual or pedal keys, as well as a drive motor including a power supply. The handheld radio transmitter, which features a display that shows the note name of the pressed key, controls the key presser from inside the organ. If needed, the transmitter’s display also guides the user through programming the keyboard division and range, the interval sequence (semitone, whole tone, third, or up to 5-key steps, as well as the fine-tuning of the key division (useful for irregular key widths in the upper register of manual keyboards) and the adjustment of the actuators’ pressure. In addition, this technology allows for the simultaneous pressing of the upper or lower octave when playing a manual note. A continuous automatic “key-by-key” playback function is helpful during tuning.
A highly flexible and lightweight single-key presser for manual and pedal keyboards. Your tuning companion, which you can easily adjust yourself at any time to suit your preferences and needs.
Ideal for partial or full tunings, especially when no assistant is available at the console. This allows you to bridge tuning interruptions caused by the absence of an assistant or to tune multi-choir stops on your own. This key presser is primarily designed for fine-tuning using an electronic tuner or the reference register.
Tuning steps such as semitones, whole tones, thirds, etc., can be adjusted. Additionally, programmed keyboard ranges and divisions can be saved for the first time, so that they are immediately available again the next time the device is used after it has been turned off. Regardless of the memory settings, learning a new keyboard configuration takes only a few minutes. The key presser can also assist with voicing work during the preliminary tuning of single or multi-choir registers. It can also be used during inspections of windchests or when a human key-holder is temporarily unavailable.
The entire key-presser fits into a carrying case (85 x 32 x 12 cm) that comes with the device; when loaded, it weighs approximately 11 kg. This weight is a major advantage when carrying the device up to the organ loft, even via narrow spiral staircases.
The cart is powered by replaceable batteries or rechargeable cells, or via a plug-in power supply, which is always required when operating the pedals. The radio transmitter is powered by replaceable batteries or rechargeable cells. The radio transmitter is equipped with a display that shows you the note currently being played, the battery level, and—during programming—the steps that have been completed.
Clicking on the “Manual/Pedal Single-Button Presser” link will redirect you to a short instructional video. There you can see how to quickly set it up and use it.
We are not responsible for any redirects to external websites.
**The additional shorter support rail, when used together with the pedal extension rail, enables keyboard ranges from a² to e³ or keyboards with shortened lower octaves.
For previously delivered individual manual key actuators of this type up to unit no. 3.79, an extension kit is available for operating pedal keyboards. This consists of a rail extension, long special actuators, support brackets next to the pedal keyboard, pedal programming, retaining weights for the actuators, etc. The extension parts can also be stored in the manual unit’s carrying case. This adds approximately 3–4 kg to the weight.
If you own one of these older units and are interested, please contact us for pricing.
If you are interested, we would be happy to provide further information.
Please note the price increase for this unit for orders placed on or after September 15, 2026! You can findthe new price below in the order line.
Please also note the options available with our other key actuators and the “magnetic attachment for manual keyboards, ” which has proven particularly effective for voicing work.
If you’re looking for a general overview of our various key pressers, please click on the following link to view our digital catalog: Key Pressers.
User Manuals
BA Single-Key Pusher V3 with Display 2024.pdf
Quick Start Guide V3 Key Holder with Pedal Extension.pdf
V3 Key Pusher with Pedal User Manual.pdf
Instructions for Single-Button Pusher V3.pdf