Pianotech

  • 1.  Grand Piano Action Weights

    Member
    Posted 04-03-2018 11:05
    Does anyone have an idea what the top action, keys and keyframe weighs for a Steinway & Sons D, L, M and S or for various Yamahas like a C7, C5, C3 ?  I am working on a design for a work surface but need to have an idea of the weight I need to support so there is no sag or flex...

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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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  • 2.  RE: Grand Piano Action Weights

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-03-2018 11:18
    James, 
    You would really only need the weight of the heaviest one, but even there,  you'll get variations depending upon the amount of key lead.  And it's not like you'd have all the weight in the middle.  Are you trying to construct something portable?

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    David Skolnik
    Hastings-on-Hudson NY
    914-231-7565
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  • 3.  RE: Grand Piano Action Weights

    Posted 04-03-2018 12:10
    I'm working on a portable one, and its a tough nut to crack. After going through a number of options, I'm about to try a type of composite torsion box/EPS interior with 1/8" plywood skins. The lightest I think I can pull off is just about 20lbs, which is just 10lbs shy of my current one. I wanted it lighter, but alas...Will post when its done to see if this crashes and burns or not.

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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  • 4.  RE: Grand Piano Action Weights

    Member
    Posted 04-03-2018 12:12
    The answer is both yes and no. If my design works out it may be both . Unfortunately I can not give too much detail about it to protect the design. I am working with a designer and may have a working prototype at the PTG conference.

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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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  • 5.  RE: Grand Piano Action Weights

    Posted 04-04-2018 06:00
    You asked about the weight of the "top action, keys and keyframe" - I presume you are looking for the weight of the complete action (including wippens and associated rail). I had a M&H A action handy in my shop to weigh for you. It is a bit of a heavy one with five leads in the bass. It weighs 50 lbs.

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    Terry Farrell
    Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
    Brandon, Florida
    terry@farrellpiano.com
    813-684-3505
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  • 6.  RE: Grand Piano Action Weights

    Member
    Posted 04-04-2018 11:38
    Thank you about the Mason weight... After some searching in the archives I found some various weights for actions on S & S model D
    ranging from mid to high 50 lb range. I think I am good at this point however it would be good to build a chart of the dimensions and weights of various actions . I would like to fabricate some action boxes at some point so i can transport entire actions from job site to shop and back.
    Keep the info coming...

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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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  • 7.  RE: Grand Piano Action Weights

    Posted 04-04-2018 12:10
    Here's a salvaged upright key bed that I use for regulation. It is a solid panel. It spans the front of the grand. The front rail is shimmed with punchings to duplicate dip. TLRG is in place to set Let Off and Drop.

    Notice the key dip block is upside down. Having the overhang index to the key itself is faster than indexing to adjacent keys.

    Salvaged upright key bed

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
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