Pianotech

  • 1.  Taking apart a Steinway console

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-04-2018 10:59
    Hi everyone,

    I'm wondering if anyone has seen this design: the piano is a 1958 Steinway console, about 44". I was attempting to do some tuning and regulation for a family member, and couldn't find any way to get the fallboard/ key cover assemble off. No screws on top, nothing lifted off. The ONLY thing I could see was a screw at either end under the key bed that likely held the blocks on (like a grand). It looked like the blocks and hinged fallboard assembly were one unit.
    I was unable to test my theory--the screw under the key bed refused to budge, and because I had flown in for the week I didn't have any drivers big enough to get good purchase.

    Was this a common design at one point? Next time I visit I can try again (need to get the fallboard off to deal with lost motion), but not a customer and not too critical.

    Most importantly, any suggestions for dealing with a very tight screw oriented this way (screwed up from below)?
    My normal way of dealing with tight screws would be to put a soldering iron tip on it for a few minutes to let it expand the wood. I'm afraid that even if I bring a large driver when I return it still may be stuck...
    --
    Scott Cole, Registered Piano Technician
    Serving Southern Oregon and Northern California
    (541)601-9033


  • 2.  RE: Taking apart a Steinway console

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-04-2018 11:06
    Scott,

    The 1098 fall board is connected to the key blocks as you suspected. Also, the blocks are screwed in from the bottom. But there are two screws for each block. Take out those four screws and the entire assembly lifts out together. 

    Chris





  • 3.  RE: Taking apart a Steinway console

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-04-2018 11:24
    Hi Scott,

    I have one of these that I service regularly. Chris is right, remove the "cheek block" screws and remove it as you would a Steinway grand fallboard assembly. If you need to remove the fallboard from the blocks, there are little screws that keep the hinges attached to the blocks. Just be sure you have room to reattach everything. I has to take the assembly apart to replace a key top. If you take everything apart, it will take at least five minutes to put it back together. Don't ask....

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Taking apart a Steinway console

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-04-2018 11:31
    Yes, there are screws underneath the keybed which hold down the cheek blocks, and the fallboard is attached, as well as the front keyslip rail. I always carry a large flatblade screwdrive for these type of screws into cheek blocks. Unless you have some rusting going on, they should come out without too much trouble. There's also an impact tool that you use a hammer with, to break loose nuts and bolts. There's always a way..
    Good luck.
    Paul McCloud




  • 5.  RE: Taking apart a Steinway console

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-04-2018 15:00
    A large screwdriver with a square shank enables you to put a small crescent wrench on the shank to get more torque. I carry both with me.

    ------------------------------
    Susan Kline
    Philomath, Oregon
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Taking apart a Steinway console

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-04-2018 22:20
    Add to that...simply an impact on the screwdriver itself on the screw head can often be enough to break the bond. (Don't do this with a combination handle unit though).

    Pwg

    ------------------------------
    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Taking apart a Steinway console

    Posted 06-05-2018 19:47
    I'm not sure how your piano comes apart, but beware that it may NOT be a 1098. The 1098 is a studio upright - you indicated that you had a console.

    ------------------------------
    Terry Farrell
    Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
    Brandon, Florida
    terry@farrellpiano.com
    813-684-3505
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Taking apart a Steinway console

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-05-2018 20:20
    Hi Terry,

    As I posted above, the one I service isn't a 1098 either. Steinway made a console model for some time in the mid '50s and possibly early '60s. 

    The method described above is how I found out the hard way how to open it. I haven't yet serviced a 1098, but hey, apparently I know how to open it! 😁

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net
    ------------------------------