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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Here goes. First, these are general comments
and there *will* be exceptions. This is about upright, foot pump players
only. No reproducers, grands, coin-op, or expression pianos.
And..big disclaimer...I'll probably forget something so feel free to jump in,
really, anyone.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>If the player works, seriously consider teaming up
in some manner with an experienced player tech. The worst thing you can do
is have it not work when you're finished. I can guarantee you will not
have an adequate selection of hoses and tubes, etc. if any should break.
If you still wish to venture on your own...label and diagram everything you take
apart. You may think it will be obvious upon reassembly, but many, many
times it won't.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>If the player doesn't work (or you've decided to
venture as above) make sure the condition is agreed upon and documented, as
someone posted previously.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Remove all "upper" case parts (front, shelf,
fallboard, and cheek blocks). Locate the screws (or other mechanical
attachment) for the stack. Usually these are two (or more)screws running
vertically through the stack shelf at either end. Or as in the case of a
Standard Pneumatic Action, four large oval head screws running horizontally at
the bass end and one or two running vertically at the treble end. Remove
these screws. Remove the screw in to the plate from the spoolbox
brace. Disconnect any tubes or hoses that connect the top unit to the
bottom unit. Typically these will be one or two at the bass end (tracking
supply and sustain trip), hose to wind motor at treble end, and very likely on
many, but not all, the main supply hose from the pump (yes, delve into the
bottom bass end). Now you have mechanical linkage to disconnect.
Carefully look to find the play reroll linkage and the tempo linkage. Move
the keyslip levers back and forth while looking near and around the wind motor
and transmission. Disconnect these where there is no "adjustment"
possible. Find a clip attachment or leather nut to undo. If you
disconnect at an "adjustment" (sliding) connection you are giving yourself a
bigger headache when you put everything back together :-) Now, at this
point I advise engaging the keylock if the piano is equipped with one.
Look under the keybed for a lever that will lock the keys in the up, or rest,
position. Your piano may or may not have this wonderful feature.
Upright player keys are front weighted to allow them to "drop" appropriately
when the player is working. It is handy to keep the back end of the keys
down when trying to extricate an action and very handy when putting the piano
action back in! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Okay, here goes, no turning back after this!
GENTLY try to slide the player stack forward. DO NOT LIFT YET! The
playing "fingers" have to be clear of the underside of their wippen contact
before you can lift. If you haven't missed disconnecting something (DO
CAREFULLY CHECK before you go too far) you should be able to slide the stack
forward about an inch or so. At this point securely grab each end, lean in
towards the spoolbox, and slightly lift the unit up and towards your upper
torso. They are heavy. Generally, with three point contact (each
hand for lift and upper body for balance) it is possible. If you start and
feel that the weight will be too much (as with the "Metalnola" from Otto Higel)
leave the stack in place and get help. I always do a test lift before I
actually go for it. Remember, save your back! Bend at the knees and
keep your back straight when lowering the unit to the floor (easiest if you
lower one end at a time). Think that's it? Ready to just remove the piano
action for repairs? NO, NO. Check each end of the hammer rest rail
for a mechanical linkage. In player pianos equipped with bass and treble
hammer rail lift this linkage will have to be undone to remove the piano
action. It's easy to forget about this :-) and quite a surprise when the
action tries to yank you back into the piano when you so confidently and swiftly
try to remove it!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Now, the big question. Why not just slide the
player action forward and tip and lift the piano action out from behind?
Saves the nerves about possible damage to the stack. If you are tall and
strong enough to lift an upright action totally above your head while leaning
forward and reaching over the player stack, it's possible. It's almost
impossible to put the piano action back in using the same approach and you will
probably end up with even more damage.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Now, this post is long enough and I have hopefully
discouraged loads of people (just kidding). I will post tomorrow about
servicing the piano action in an under the keybed stack situation. Sounds
easy, you say? Nothing in the way of the piano action if the stack is
below the keybed? Life is not so easy! Most (not all) are spinets
and there's still stuff up top, too.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Your nightmares have just begun. I must be
insane to love this stuff (yeah, yeah, I know).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Debbie</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>