[CAUT] Bosendorfer action R & R

[Chris Solliday]

i apologize, I do not work on vintage instruments often. As I suddenly remembered it can also be of value to unhook the pedals, if this is only a two pedal, with trap work in the keybed like the one I just experienced and the mounting blocks have come unglued. The best advice I have to offer is to contact Ed Swenson or Gert Hecher. No amount of sympathy or empathy or anecdotal experience will adequately provide the guidance John will need to work with this piano. One of the more dangerous aspects to working with these older instruments is the glue joint and metal fatigue. Restoration is probably best left to experts like Ed or Gert. Subcontract or refer. In most cases this is very much like entering an unknown cave without a light. 
As for getting that thing back in John, push hard, when you're sure there are no obstructions, with your thumbs on the keyframe. It was a surprise to me just how much strength was required. Imagining that the action would go up in the back a couple of inches did help, but I for one am very glad to be in the modern era where the world is nice and flat.
Chris Solliday

----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Chris Solliday 
  To: caut at ptg.org 
  Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 4:58 AM
  Subject: Re: [CAUT] Bosendorfer action R & R


  I suspect that fear kept him from pulling it all the way out. It's probably sticky and could use some lubricant but of course you need to pull it out to do that properly. Wiggle wiggle and don't press down the keys. Sometimes the trap work in the keybed can come unglued and come up and block the frame. Carefully sliding some lubricated sheet metal in between the frame and bed might hold it down if that is the case. John might also contact Gert Hecher at www.hecherpiano.com who is quite the expert at these contraptions.
  I had one, although not quite as old, in my lap just last week and sympathize with this plight.
  I wonder if John is still there with the action in between, and now it's the weekend. A real Friday the 13th story.
  I do wish John the best of luck.
  Chris Solliday
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Scott Jackson 
    To: caut at ptg.org 
    Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 1:03 AM
    Subject: Re: [CAUT] Bosendorfer action R & R


    The answers given address pushing the action in, but does anyone have any clues as to why John cannot pull it out first. I'm guessing he would like to do some work to the action before putting it back......?

    Scott Jackson
      ----- Original Message -----
      From: Fred Sturm 
      To: caut University Technicians 
      Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 7:08 PM
      Subject: [CAUT] Bosendorfer action R & R

      I got the following from a local colleague. Does anyone have a set of instructions handy that I could forward him? It's obviously a Viennese action.


              Can anyone tell me how to remove and put back the action on a 1850 5'6" Bosendorfer Grand?  When I started to pull the action the back of it dropped down about three inches.  I was unable to get it out so I attempted to put it back.  Now it is partway out and I cannot get it back in.  My customer is very patient, but I fear I am married to the piano until death do us part.  Thanks. John
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