[CAUT] Bosendorfer on wheels

[Andrew Anderson]

Kent,
I had a smaller but similar problem with a Kawai RX 4 or 5.  The 
pedals were so close to the floor that the pianist was complaining 
that it was difficult to play.  It needed a small lift up to get a 
reasonable angle.  I ended up figuring 1" in that case.  I drilled 
plywood for pipe stock to go in the caster socket hole.   Sanded and 
spray painted the plywood gloss black and stuck one under each 
leg.  This got the height we wanted and kept the piano secure.  In 
your case I think this might not work as well.  The closer those 
blocks get to being cubes the more likely they will rock over and 
dump the piano on a threshold.  Tighter pipe stock might secure this 
effectively though, I just wanted enough to catch the piano if it slid.

The alternative might be to look at different sized casters from an 
industrial supply store.  NorthernTool.com has a variety to look at 
for example.  Search for casters.  I haven't done this but I could 
imagine having to do it to a Hamburg legged NY D here...

Andrew Anderson, Artisan Piano

At 05:59 PM 8/29/2007, you wrote:
>We have a Bosendorfer Imperial that has been newly refurbished in
>Vienna. It's nice.
>
>For some reason, this piano always lived on a normal American dolly,
>even though the piano has short legs for the larger casters that are
>normal in Europe. The piano has always sat too low.
>
>Now that this piano has been rejuvenated, the old, low dolly won't do.
>
>Does anyone have experience with this? Are there dolly's that make
>allowances for short legs and can elevate a 9'6" piano to it's proper
>height, or should I just buy new casters of appropriate size? (The
>legs actually look like they have never had casters. I don't know
>that story.)
>
>Kent
>
>
>PS -- I have taken the head tech job that was advertised at UMKC- 
>Conservatory of Music. With all the positions that have been open,
>there don't seem to have been too many speak up about taking any of
>the jobs. If you have taken one of these positions, let us know, please.
>
>KES