I would advise against removing everything, especially in the Yamahas. I would go with removing the plungers as Karl suggested and leave the rest, if you must, but there really isn't any reason to. Also I think there are springs in the solenoids that you would have to be removed. If it's the old style single row of solenoids(probably is) and plungers you'll have 2 different types of plungers. One with a short stem and one with a long stem. The Long stem plunger go in between the 2 short stem plungers and are harder to remove because of tolerances.
If you remove the box and solenoids you would have a gapping hole in the keybed with funky looking trap work. If the aesthetics didn't bother the customer you may run into a regulation problems by an unsupported and very flexible keybed.
The player system shouldn't interfere with the acoustic functioning of the piano in anyway. I would be absolutely certain the clicking is coming from the keys hitting the solenoids. I'd check for loose screws in the action and back action and other parts.
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Gregory Cheng, RPT
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2021 20:47
From: James Kelly
Subject: Remove Pianodisc System?
If she does not use the system I would just take off the player unit that hangs under the keybed and leave everything else intact . The power supply, the pedal solenoid, the key solenoids and the system unit and speakers. The PDS 128 is very early tech however if an upgrade where to be done by this owner or another some of the components can be re-used if they are working. I have removed complete systems as well as done upgrades. When the solenoids are taken out the slot should be covered over preferably with a tight fitting insert that will strengthen the keybed. It is not that hard to get the action out and regulate it in the normal manner. In fact it is a good idea to regulate pianos that have player systems in them due to the constant wear a player usually gets. Try to establish the fact the system as it exists now plays. Floppy disks can be found on ebay or you can contact Piano Disc to see if you can get one to test existing systems. As Mr Roeder stated the sostenuto was often inactivated by many installers and modifications needed to be made in the trapworks
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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2021 19:10
From: Karl Roeder
Subject: Remove Pianodisc System?
Mr. Trasoff,
Doing bad things well is my superpower. The easiest way to solve your dilemma is to remove the plungers and leave the rest of the system undisturbed. That way you don't have to come up with a trapwork workaround. Back in the PDS 128 days most installers deleted the sostenuto and threw away the parts attached to the keybed where the cutout needed to go. This approach also leaves open the door for some future person to upgrade the POS errrrrr... PDS system to a modern version.
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Karl Roeder
Pompano Beach FL
Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2021 15:00
From: David Trasoff
Subject: Remove Pianodisc System?
The client has a 1982 Yamaha G1, with a Pianodisc PDS128 (floppy disc drive) installed. It's the kind where you have to lift the keyboard to clear the plungers, or whatever they are called. I can feel the backs of the keys clicking on them. She says they haven't even tried to use the player in years and don't even have discs for it anymore. And it sure would be easier to do the reconditioning/regulation the piano needs if the player were not there.
How difficult is it to remove the system from the piano? Are there hidden pitfalls and problems that can come up? Or is it so difficult/complicated that it's advisable to just leave the system in place (and deal with the keyboard insertion when necessary)?
Thank you,
David
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David Trasoff
Whatcom Piano Service
(360) 389-2158
david@whatcompianoservice.com
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