Paul, I have had a great deal of success over the years with the Standard Twin Dollies -Schaff # 4009. (top of page 14 in their newer catalog). The heavy duty one below that, # 4003 would also more that suffice for your situation, although it may be a bit of overkill and they seem a little bulky to me. Jansen's # J4009 would be $120.00 your cost, plus shipping--about the same as Schaff. (They also have a heavy duty one as well.) Regardless of which one of these you decide, this is your best answer to the situation you are describing. As far as installing them, it is MUCH, MUCH better to tilt the piano to install, and screw them securely to the piano bottom and to the back. There is a way to install the light duty twin dollies without tilting the piano, but not the heavy duty ones. I will be happy to explain this in detail offline, but it is not as good and I would only recommend this if you do not have access to the tilter, and you don't mind some possible follow up in the future. Regarding the Climate control systems; to all interested in what is working here at Texas Tech University (98 pinaos): I am in similar situation as you on this. We now have about 5 full systems in use on piano faculty and on a couple of other key pianos, and I am not planning on adding any more full systems. They work very well, except on the few who get too busy, or travel, etc.(these systems still help out a lot because they are still effective as a partial system, even when neglected.) HOWEVER, most of the rest of our practice pianos, etc. do have the partial systems, and I agree with Jeff on this, this is the way to go. Try to get as many of these installed on as many pianos as possible (if you can get them funded. And, add under covers if you want to take it further.) I also want to add this: Signs on the wall (if printed in large enough print, etc., DO HELP!!!! A lot!! I can testify to this as I have plastered signs (be kind but firm and bold) on each wall next to the plug, and then a smaller red sign taped to each cord usually next to the piano--over this past year. It is working!! It did take a little time, and I had to visit with certain faculty members to try to get them on the same page, but I was never rude or angry about it. YOU JUST HAVE TO GET THESE SIGNS IN THEIR FACE! For example, in our band hall last year; I had to tape a couple of large print signs on the piano just before a jazz gig, (or it would not stay plugged in even for 2 days). I used the blue painters tape to be safe. It read: PLEASE DO NOT UNPLUG THE PIANO HUMIDITY SYSTEM. IT IS VITAL TO KEEP IT IN TUNE. (If you move the piano across the room, please re-insert it ASAP!! The signs were only on the piano for a few days, and now the piano has remained plugged in consistently for about 10 months straight. (I will have to sort of start over in the fall, but that's ok. It's well worth the effort!! Hope this helps some, Kevin Fortenberry, RPT; Texas Tech University
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