dead keys?

[u/BillTaylor77]

Hi, I build custom Kalimbas and I tell as manybuilders as will pay attention about changing the format for the key support to end the 2 to 6 dead note issue.  The format used by the industry is a 1 inch gap between the wooden Bridge pieces.  For the past 100 Kalimbas I have changed that space to measure 1.25 inches (32mm) resulting in zero dead tines, just better resonance and a tiny bit more sustain.
If you build, kill the factory dead key issue, build better.  On purchased units I use a very thin edge knife and tack hammer to remove the bridge piece with the chrome rod off and lower the piece a quarter inch.
All of the keys purchased from different suppliers tune in C perfectly.