Hi, Kym:
There are different mechanisms on different brands, so it depends. Some have tiny screws which must be removed first. I've seen these with screws on both ends, some with only one screw on the left side. Some have no screws at all.
Most of the time, I like to close the cover half way, so it is at 45 degrees. Often this allows you to lift straight up on the fallboard and clear the tab on the left side. Usually there is only the mechanism on the left side. Putting the fallboard back on is easier also when the fallboard is at 45 degrees. Watch carefully as you lower the fallboard on the tab on the left, while watching the right side also so that it doesn't bind on the case and make a scratch. Always try to keep the fallboard square to the piano. If you go in at an angle, you'll bind on the case.
Baldwin grand pianos have a different arrangement where there is a piston mounted inside the left arm of the piano. There is a screw to be removed first. See if you can remove the fallboard straight up without tilting 45 degrees. If not, angle it as the other way above. Replacing it is tricky. You will need to angle the bracket on the left side to 45 degrees, but it will want to move if it isn't exactly to a certain point. Maybe someone can say a better way to replace the Baldwin fallboard. Anyway, after adjusting the bracket, angle the fallboard to match the angle of the bracket and lower it into place.
Some Chinese pianos, such as Nordiska, have screws into mechanisms on both ends. Remove both screws completely before removing the fallboard.
Like I said, these are tricky. Good luck.
Paul McCloud
San Diego
Original Message------
I would like to know the proper way to remove and replace the slow fall fall board too. I had trouble with them before.
Thx.
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[Kym] Ng]
[CharisTune Piano Service]
[San Jose] [CA]
[kym@charistune.com]
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