[CAUT] DC bottom covers

[Stan Kroeker]

Friends,

Always interested to learn new methods of installing these covers for  
easy access.  Is there any reason why the velcro system hasn't worked  
for you?  I can think of a few ...   I quickly learned that the  
adhesive backing alone will not hold for long, so I now staple 1"  
squares of the 'hook' part to the edge of the rim, about every 5" and  
similarly staple (with a desk stapler and the heavy duty staples)  
squares of the 'loop' part to the fabric.

I also prefer the tailored appearance of custom patterned and hemmed  
fabric.  Simple to do either with a sewing machine (I'm embarrassed  
to admit that I'm the only one in the family who can operate this  
machine) or with iron-on fusing tape (Heat'n'Bond).  On pianos where  
you're not worried about tape pulling the finish off, stretch a piece  
of bottom cover fabric under the piano and part way up the side of  
the rim.  Tape in place temporarily (if you dare) and chalk the  
outline of the rim/keybed on the fabric.

This of course requires a return visit to install but I think it's  
worth it for the professional appearance.

Regards to all,

Stan Kroeker, RPT

On May 19, 2006, at 1:00 PM, Fred Sturm wrote:

> Hi Jeff,
> The hooks I use are just the cheapest, thinnest right angle hooks I  
> can find. About an inch long on the threaded side, with the short  
> angle maybe 1/4 - 3/8". Cup hooks would be fine, but they cost  
> more. After screwing them in (I use a small vise grip), I give each  
> about a 30-45 degree bend upwards in the middle of the long side  
> with a damper wire bending tool (the kind you put in a handle), for  
> better and more reliable grab of the grommets.
> My duct tape "grommets" hold up fine, but its harder to find the  
> hole for re-installing. With the grommet, it's very easy to feel  
> the grommet and hook and get it attached. I had tried grommets  
> earlier, using a punch and anvil method (a set also sold with the  
> grommets, used with a hammer, and cheaper than the pliers), but  
> found it took too much time and results "varied." The pliers type  
> work real well. One squeeze and you're done, and the results are  
> reliable.
> Regards,
> Fred Sturm
> University of New Mexico
> fssturm at unm.edu
>
>
>
> On May 19, 2006, at 10:25 AM, Jeff Tanner wrote:
>
>>
>> On May 19, 2006, at 9:30 AM, Fred Sturm wrote:
>>
>>> BTW, I have been installing undercovers now with hooks and grommets.
>>
>> Hey, Fred,
>> Thanks for the info on the data loggers.  I'll check it out.  I'd  
>> been thinking about hooks and grommets.  What kind of hooks are  
>> you using?  And how have your duct tape "grommets" held up over time?
>>
>> I've also thought about snaps -- like on your (non-button-fly)  
>> jeans or a denim jacket.  They would install pretty much the same  
>> way as grommets and hooks.  They've been used for vertical lid  
>> snaps in the past also.  I know they buzz when they are not  
>> engaged, but they shouldn't when engaged.  I just haven't had the  
>> chance to go to a decent sewing store to find any.
>>
>> Jeff
>