<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 12 (filtered medium)"> <style>  </style>  </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> To the list:<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Last year I was asked to install a piano truck on the Baldwin SD-10 concert grand at a local church (the “flying nun” church – that’s a nickname by the locals for architectural details).  The only help I could have at the church was the janitor, and he was pushing 80, so I decided to do it myself.  It was a bit complicated, as the Baldwin had the large European style double casters, which dramatically shortened the leg after you removed them.  This meant that I had to remove all three legs and take them back to the shop and shape and glue on extender blocks to the bottom of the legs before setting them on the piano truck.  So what’s a fella to do when he is all by himself?<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I went out and bought 2 cheapo car jacks for 20 bucks apiece, and yanked the other one out of my car.  I already had 3 large 12” x 12” wood blocks that were about14 or 16 inches tall, which I use in the shop to elevate the piano for stringing and damper work and such, so as to save what little is left of my back at this stage of my career.  I put some pinblock stock between the bottom of the keybed and the jack, with the jack sitting on the big blocks.  One at each end of the keybed in front, the other under one of the back beams towards the tail.   <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I slowly turned up the jacks until I had the all three legs equal and sufficient distance off the floor, and removed the legs.  When I came back from the shop with alterations completed, I put the 3 legs back on.  I jacked the piano up a little further.  I assembled the truck and slid the cups under the legs under the legs.  I feathered the piano down until it was almost touching the leg plates.  I needed to play with the spacing of the three legs of the tripod until I was satisfied that it was exactly where I wanted.  Then I tightened the lock nuts.  I feathered each leg down until it was starting to put weight onto the tripod, and went back and forth between legs bit by bit until it was resting fully on the tripod.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Having done it this way the first time, I would never do it any other way again.  It is utterly safe for you and the piano, and you don’t need no stinkin’ movers.  It doesn’t even register on the stress seismometer, it’s that easy, fast, and safe.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Try it.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Will Truitt<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <div> <div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'> From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Garret Traylor Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 4:49 PM To: 'Pianotech List' Subject: RE: Piano Trucks<o:p></o:p> </div> </div> <o:p> </o:p> Will somebody hit me in the back of the head with a skillet!  All the years that I have watched others and contemplated installing a piano truck, I never thought to wedge up the truck leg.  It is really very funny to watch this procedure when it is done the wrong way.  Several people piled up under the piano trying to hold down an extension.  Like playing a game of twister.  Too funny.  Thanks for the tip.  Wonder why truck manufacturers have never thought to a this to their directions?<o:p></o:p> <div> Kindest Regards,<o:p></o:p> Garret <o:p></o:p> ---<o:p></o:p> Garret Traylor - President<o:p></o:p> High Point Piano & Music Inc.<o:p></o:p> 88-PIANO (336) 887-4266<o:p></o:p> </div> <o:p> </o:p> <div> <div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'> From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Andrew and Rebeca Anderson Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 4:58 PM To: Pianotech List Subject: Re: Piano Trucks<o:p></o:p> </div> </div> <o:p> </o:p> Install of piano-truck (spider). Before you begin: <o:p></o:p> ascertain height of leg off of floor with caster check against height of truck piano-leg-receiver <o:p></o:p> (tall casters will be higher than the truck and the lyre may rest or occasionally scrape on the floor, make plans/parts for any corrective measures, even if the lyre just clears the floor the pianist will hate pedals that are too close to the floor to comfortably operate) <o:p></o:p> make a pair of wedges to fit between the floor and the truck leg-receiver <o:p></o:p> (paint these black and keep for use in concerts, there is too much spring in a truck) <o:p></o:p> setup a jack and timber (or better get the jack-the-box) system to support the piano <o:p></o:p> layout and loosely assemble the truck under the piano next to the legs <o:p></o:p> (loosely means that the bolts are loose enough you can adjust the angle of the legs and the length of the arms) <o:p></o:p> Install <o:p></o:p> 1.) Jack up whichever corner you want to start on and pull the caster <o:p></o:p> Sometimes easier said then done, be prepared to remove the leg and work on it <o:p></o:p> 2.) Roll the truck under the leg. <o:p></o:p> 3.) This part is important wedge up the truck leg-receiver FIRST <o:p></o:p> 4.) Then let the piano down on to the truck. <o:p></o:p> Go to the next leg and repeat steps 1 to 4. <o:p></o:p> Go to the next leg and set it as well. <o:p></o:p> (when you set down the third leg you can free up all the wedges) <o:p></o:p> Straiten the spider (truck) out.  Sit on the center and tighten the bolts. <o:p></o:p> Put the casters in a labeled box and give to the customer with the admonition not to lose them. <o:p></o:p> (When they want to sell the piano and put a new one on the truck you do not want to be left holding the bag for the missing casters.  If in doubt spray-paint the box black and tape it to the center of the spider.) <o:p></o:p> Dust yourself off and turn in the bill, or better, collect the money.  Always get a down-payment on the spider before ordering.  Institutions can be fickle and knowing who actually has authority to order it and pay you becomes crystal clear when you are actually holding the deposit cheque in your hand.  If they are worried about you, offer to have it shipped directly to them.  Especially if you drive a motorcycle or a little car. Have fun and remember to quickly dodge that spider when you forget to wedge up the foot. Andrew Anderson At 01:27 PM 6/6/2008, you wrote:<o:p></o:p> Greetings all,   Has anyone installed, or seen installed, a grand piano truck?  Those of you with any experience in that area, can you 'zap' me an e-mail so we can 'chat' about it?   I would greatly appreciate it, and thanks! Matthew<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </div> </body> </html>