Trystan Casey
Removing the rods from an electric grand piano can be a complex process. Before attempting to remove any rods, it is important to identify the type of piano you have, as different models have varying disassembly methods. For example, removing the action of a standard upright grand is different from that of a drop action spinet piano. Once you have identified your piano type, you can proceed with the appropriate disassembly method. This may involve removing the piano's lid, unscrewing outer pieces, and exposing the inner workings, including the harp and action brackets. It is important to proceed with caution, as some parts may be heavy or fragile. Additionally, certain components, such as the tuning pins, may require special tools for efficient removal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools required | Wrench, electric drill, screwdriver |
| Piano type | Grand piano, upright piano, antique piano |
| Steps | Unscrew outer pieces, remove keyboard, remove action brackets, unhinge piano desk, remove legs, cut block, release rod from the top |
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$6.8
What You'll Learn
Removing the piano's legs
Removing the legs of a grand piano is a meticulous task that requires a well-thought-out plan and careful execution. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to safely remove the legs of a grand piano:
- Preparation: Before starting the disassembly process, ensure that you have the necessary tools, such as screwdrivers, blankets or cloths, tape, padding or cardboard, and a piano dolly or skidboard. It is crucial to understand that not all pianos are the same, and the process may vary slightly depending on the specific model of your grand piano.
- Protect the Keyboard: As a precautionary measure, cover and protect the piano keys by laying a cloth or blanket over them and securing it with tape. This will prevent any accidental damage during the leg removal process.
- Remove the Music Rack and Lyre: The first step in preparing a grand piano for leg removal is to detach the music rack and lyre. This usually involves unscrewing and removing the assembly from the underside of the piano.
- Elevate the Piano: Gently tilt the flat side of the piano onto a piano board or dolly. You may need to elevate the piano about 6 inches to access the legs. It is recommended to have at least two people to safely lift and support the piano during this step.
- Remove the Left Side Front Leg: With the piano tilted, the left side front leg can now be accessed. Have one person hold the piano dolly steady under the left side of the keyboard, while another person removes the leg. Most piano legs are secured with long screws or a centre machined bolt assembly. Carefully unscrew the leg and set it aside.
- Secure the Piano: Before proceeding, ensure that the piano is securely positioned on the dolly or skidboard. It should be centred and butted up against the lip of the piano board to prevent slipping when tipped or carried at an angle.
- Remove the Remaining Legs: With the piano stabilised, you can now remove the other two legs. Depending on the design of your piano, the legs may have long screws securing them to a hidden coupler, or they may simply need to be screwed off. Carefully unscrew each leg and hand-shift them down out of their couplers.
- Wrap and Secure the Legs: Once all the legs are removed, wrap them individually in blankets or cloths and secure them with tape. This will protect the legs during transport or storage.
- Cover and Secure the Piano: After removing the legs, cover the entire piano with blankets or cloths, ensuring that none of the lacquer is exposed. Secure the blankets with tape, making sure that nothing is loose.
- Transport or Store the Piano: With the legs removed and the piano securely wrapped, you can now carefully move the piano to its final destination. Always communicate and use proper lifting techniques when carrying the piano. Remember to follow the steps in reverse to reassemble the legs once you have reached your destination.
It is important to note that removing the legs of a grand piano should be done carefully to avoid damage to the instrument. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any part of the process, it is recommended to seek professional assistance from experienced piano movers or technicians.
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Using a wrench to remove pins
Dismantling a piano requires patience and careful work. If you are using a wrench to remove pins, it is important to first relieve the pressure on the strings. This can be done with a tuning wrench or, if the piano is being scrapped, a crescent wrench can be used on the tuning pins.
Once the pressure is relieved, you can begin to remove the pins. It is recommended to use the smallest wrench you have, either a 9/32 or 7mm, and flip and insert it into an electric drill. The pins should come out easily.
For grand pianos, the plate can be pulled straight up and off the pins after removing the lid. For upright pianos, the keybed limits movement, so it is not possible to simply slide the piano off the tuning pins. If the keybed is removed, it may be possible, but it would be easier to build a piano mock-up from plywood and lumber.
Another important step when removing pins is to label the rods. This is very important for reassembly. The soft and damper pedals are attached to the action by wooden dowels, which should be unscrewed and labelled.
Finally, when removing the legs of a grand piano, most are secured with long screws that attach to a hidden coupler. These screws must be removed to uncouple the leg from the piano. Some older grand pianos have a wooden screw dowel that can easily break with age.
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Removing the lyre-pedal assembly
Before removing the lyre-pedal assembly, ensure that the piano is stable and secure. You may need to tilt the piano onto its side, onto a piano skid board, to access the underside easily. To do this, use a dolly to lift one side of the piano and remove the leg. With the piano tilted, the lyre-pedal assembly can be accessed safely.
Once the piano is tilted, crawl underneath and check if the lyre is loose. If it is, tighten the two big screws on either side of the top of the lyre. If the screw holes are stripped out, remove the lyre and fill the holes halfway with thin wood pieces and carpenter's glue. Let this dry for 24 hours before reattaching the lyre.
If the lyre is secure, begin unscrewing the lyre-pedal assembly. Remove the two wooden push rods and set them aside. Check that all pieces of the assembly have been removed from the underside of the piano. With the lyre-pedal assembly removed, the piano will now have a flat underside, making it easier to move through doorways.
After removing the lyre-pedal assembly, the next step is to remove the piano's left side front leg. This will further reduce the width of the piano, making it easier to manoeuvre.
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Unscrewing the piano key cover
To begin unscrewing the piano key cover, first, open the key cover and piano lid. The key cover is located on the keyboard over the keys, and the lid is on the top portion of the piano. Both of these pieces should open easily. Slide the key cover back by lifting it slightly and pushing it backward until it stops.
Once the key cover is open, you will need to locate the screws holding the cover in place. Look behind the cover and find the screws. Depending on the piano model, the screws may be located under the end blocks. You may need to get under the piano to access them.
After locating the screws, use a screwdriver to remove them. Be sure to have a container or bag ready to collect the screws and any other small parts you remove during the dismantling process. Keep the screws organised and labelled, so you can refer to them if needed during reassembly.
With the screws removed, you can now lift off the key cover. Be gentle and careful during this step, as the key cover may be delicate and prone to damage. Place the key cover aside in a safe location, ensuring it is protected from potential damage during the rest of the dismantling process.
By following these steps, you will have successfully unscrewed and removed the piano key cover. Remember to take your time and work carefully to avoid any damage to the piano or its components.
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Removing the action
- Find Attachments: Begin by locating any attachments fastened to the action. This includes the soft and damper pedals, which are typically attached to the action using wooden dowels. Carefully unscrew these attachments and label the rods to keep track of their positions. Set them aside in a safe place.
- Address the Thumbscrews: Upright actions are usually secured to the piano with four thumbscrews that attach to their counterpart long screws mounted on the backplate. Using the appropriate tools, carefully unscrew these thumbscrews. Make sure to have someone assist you during this step as actions can be heavy and fragile.
- Detach the Action: With the thumbscrews removed, you can now detach the action from the piano. Carefully lift and set it aside, being mindful of any remaining attachments or fragile components.
- Label and Store: Before proceeding further, it is crucial to label and store any additional attachments or components that are connected to the action. This ensures that you can reassemble the piano accurately if needed.
- Inspect and Clean: With the action removed, take this opportunity to inspect the inner workings of the piano for any signs of damage or wear. You can also carefully clean this area, ensuring no debris or residue is left behind.
- Reassembly: If desired, you can now work on reassembling the piano, following the steps in reverse. Ensure that all labelled components are returned to their correct positions.
Remember that dismantling a piano, especially removing its action, can be complex and may result in damage if not performed carefully. It is always recommended to seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any steps or if your piano has unique characteristics that require specialized knowledge.
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Frequently asked questions
Most piano legs have long screws securing each leg to a hidden coupler between the leg and the underside of the piano. To remove the legs, you must first remove the screws and then uncouple the leg from the piano. Some older grand pianos have a fat, wooden screw dowel that can easily break with age.
The music desk is usually held in place by screws. To remove the desk, simply unscrew it and then lift it off the piano.
First, find any attachments that are fastened to the action. The soft and damper pedals are attached to the action by wooden dowels. Unscrew them, label the rods, and set them aside. Then, remove the four thumbscrews that attach to the threaded long screws mounted into the backplate.
There are a few ways to remove the harp/plate depending on the piano's design. One way is to use a crescent wrench to grip the flat spots of the threaded rod and post. Another way is to cut into the block if the rod does not come from below.
