Systems and methods are involved with but are not limited to: a vertical piano action including: a substantially vertically oriented string; a hammer assembly including a hammer, a hammer butt, and a backstop portion, the backstop portion coupled to the hammer butt and extending therefrom; a jack member, the jack member including a first jack member end; a repetition spring coupled to the hammer assembly and coupled to the jack member; and an engagement member including an elastic member and an outer skin, the elastic member wrapped under compression with the outer skin, the engagement member coupled to the hammer butt and so oriented to physically engage with the first jack member end during one or more portions of travel by the first jack member. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.