Pianotech

  • 1.  Linden piano keyslip

    Posted 02-27-2015 11:28
    Can anyone tell me how to remove the keyslip of a Linden vertical piano (from China via Kawai)? Is it glued to the keybed? It is binding against a few keyfronts, and I don't see any screws or other attachments. If I can't shim it, I may need to grind away the polyester.... ------------------------------------------- Ed Sutton Editor Piano Technicians Journal ed440@me.com 704-536-7926 -------------------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Linden piano keyslip

    Member
    Posted 02-27-2015 12:56
    I would resist trying to grind it or removing it. Get some plastic pry bars or even a plastic putty knife to protect the finish. Insert the tool between the key front and key slip and pry a little forward. Insert some wood veneer as shims. Voila !!!

    Chances are the top finish has glued the key slip to the keybed. You could try using a razor blade/exacto to score it across but also on the ends..

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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Linden piano keyslip

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-27-2015 13:13
    Sheesh people - grind? Pry? Is that the way to service pianos? There is a reason that Kawai publishes our technical support phone number in the PTG Journal update. You can also get assistance through our web site. Keep the phone number in your cell phone, and give us a quick call! The keyslip is not made for easy removal, because in many Kawai designed upright pianos the keyslip is considered an integral part of the keybed. The keys are regulated to 21mm height above the keyslip, and the key dip is regulated with the keyslip in place. This is done for manufacturing efficiency in low cost pianos, mainly. Of course this is not very convenient for servicing the piano, so recent models have been redesigned to make it easier to remove. To take the old design apart you have to remove the keys and keyframe from the keybed. The screws that hold the keyslip in place are hidden underneath the keyframe front rail. There is a dado slot cut into the front of the keybed, and there is a cleat on the back of the keyslip that fits into the slot, with screws going down from above through the keybed into the cleat to hold it tight. There are also often shims between the keyslip and keybed that are tack-glued in place, and sometimes the glue squeeze causes the keyslip to stick after the screws have been removed, but it will pop loose if needed. So, the next question is: Why do you want to remove the keyslip? If it's just for cleaning or regulating the keys, you're better off doing that with the keyslip in place. If you have to replace the keyslip because of damage, then of course you take things apart and replace it. If the keys are rubbing it you can shim it in place without removing it. Contact Kawai support if need guidance. 800-421-2177, which works in Canada and the US. Or write to me or David Reed via email if you prefer. dreed@kawaius.com dmannino@kawaius.com ------------------------------------------- Don Mannino RPT Kawai America Corporation -------------------------------------------
    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Linden piano keyslip

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-27-2015 13:22
    P.S. I can't find a way to edit my post (still love to hate this Higher Logic), so I'll post a post script. To shim in place: - whittle a few hammer shanks or similar wood sticks to a chisel point - Remove keys in the affected area - Apply a little wood glue to one side of the chisel point sticks - Pull out on the keyslip with one hand and push a shim stick between the keyslip and keybed, glue side towards the keyslip - Use a small hammer to tap it down tight, then break it off by pushing away from you. - Replace keys and double check clearance. Repeat with more shims if needed. Don Mannino


  • 5.  RE: Linden piano keyslip

    Posted 02-27-2015 14:59
    Thanks Don, Really appreciate your post, still learning after all these years! Best, DP ------------------------------------------- Dale Probst Registered Piano Technician Wichita Falls TX dale@wardprobst.com -------------------------------------------
    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Linden piano keyslip

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-27-2015 15:00
    Thanks for responding, Don. At the risk of going a little off-topic, what is the preferred method of spacing the keys without removing the keyslip?

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    Peter Stevenson RPT
    P.S. Piano Service
    Prince George BC
    250-562-5358
    ps@pspianoservice.com
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Linden piano keyslip

    Posted 02-28-2015 12:36
    Thank you, Don.
    This is what I was looking for.
    The piano was purchased in Europe, and I was not aware of any being sold in the US.
    Though the next place to look was under the keybed, you can understand I did not want to undertake that much disassembly to see if there were any screws there.
    Shimming the end of the key slip at the cheek block helped some, but not enough.
    I hope the little wood chisels do the job.

    -------------------------------------------
    Ed Sutton
    Editor
    Piano Technicians Journal
    ed440@me.com
    704-536-7926
    -------------------------------------------


    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Linden piano keyslip

    Member
    Posted 02-27-2015 15:32
    sorry i though this was a grand. But... i have run into it on grands that have been refinished or the slip was so tight it would not budge.

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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
    -------------------------------------------


    Original Message