Pianotech

Customer has a Yamaha U1 upright piano.
Customer just put in brand new hardwood floors.
Customer wants to replace the brass casters with rubber, (or something soft), casters.
Current U1 casters are 1" diameter.
Only rubber casters I can find are 2" diameter. (Schaff)
Concern is over raising the height of the piano that extra inch. Not desirable.
Does anyone make 1" rubber casters? If yes, who?
Or... any suggestions as to what else to try? Caster cups are not an option.
Thanks.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

If you replace the wheels with 1" larger diameter, it only raises the piano 1/2". They won't notice much at all.
Paul McCloud
San Diego


Original Message------

Customer has a Yamaha U1 upright piano.
Customer just put in brand new hardwood floors.
Customer wants to replace the brass casters with rubber, (or something soft), casters.
Current U1 casters are 1" diameter.
Only rubber casters I can find are 2" diameter. (Schaff)
Concern is over raising the height of the piano that extra inch. Not desirable.
Does anyone make 1" rubber casters? If yes, who?
Or... any suggestions as to what else to try? Caster cups are not an option.
Thanks.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Paul --

I really had to think about that for a bit, but you are correct. It's only a 1/2" increase in height. I'll bet I can talk them in to that. 

Thanks --

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2017 23:48
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Upright caster quest

If you replace the wheels with 1" larger diameter, it only raises the piano 1/2". They won't notice much at all.
Paul McCloud
San Diego


Original Message------

Customer has a Yamaha U1 upright piano.
Customer just put in brand new hardwood floors.
Customer wants to replace the brass casters with rubber, (or something soft), casters.
Current U1 casters are 1" diameter.
Only rubber casters I can find are 2" diameter. (Schaff)
Concern is over raising the height of the piano that extra inch. Not desirable.
Does anyone make 1" rubber casters? If yes, who?
Or... any suggestions as to what else to try? Caster cups are not an option.
Thanks.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Original Message------

Paul --

I really had to think about that for a bit, but you are correct. It's only a 1/2" increase in height. I'll bet I can talk them in to that. 

Thanks --

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Already contacted Yamaha. I was told they do not have any non-brass casters. Perhaps I will call again, though. Talking to someone else may yield different results. It's happened before.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 01:43
From: Richard West
Subject: Upright caster quest

Have  you checked with Yamaha? They used to sell replacement castors for U1s-double wheel, rubber. I installed several sets. But be careful; they work really well. Don't ask me how I know!

Richard West

Original Message------

Paul --

I really had to think about that for a bit, but you are correct. It's only a 1/2" increase in height. I'll bet I can talk them in to that.

Thanks --

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

You are right that with whom you speak can make a significant difference. Greg Frank has been very helpful with my obscure needs where Yamahas are concerned.

Alan

------------------------------
Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 02:15
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Upright caster quest

Already contacted Yamaha. I was told they do not have any non-brass casters. Perhaps I will call again, though. Talking to someone else may yield different results. It's happened before.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 01:43
From: Richard West
Subject: Upright caster quest

Have  you checked with Yamaha? They used to sell replacement castors for U1s-double wheel, rubber. I installed several sets. But be careful; they work really well. Don't ask me how I know!

Richard West

Original Message------

Paul --

I really had to think about that for a bit, but you are correct. It's only a 1/2" increase in height. I'll bet I can talk them in to that.

Thanks --

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Geoff

Another option is to put caster cups under the piano. The caster cups will also raise the piano 1/2". The only problem is, the customer will not be able to move the piano around the room.

------------------------------
Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
Mililani, HI 96789
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2017 23:36
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Upright caster quest

Customer has a Yamaha U1 upright piano.
Customer just put in brand new hardwood floors.
Customer wants to replace the brass casters with rubber, (or something soft), casters.
Current U1 casters are 1" diameter.
Only rubber casters I can find are 2" diameter. (Schaff)
Concern is over raising the height of the piano that extra inch. Not desirable.
Does anyone make 1" rubber casters? If yes, who?
Or... any suggestions as to what else to try? Caster cups are not an option.
Thanks.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Hardwood floors are pretty tough. There won't be much of an impression unless she will be pushing the piano around often. I'd be more concerned avout the bench scratching the floor or the heal of her shoe wearing the finish in front of the damper pedal.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 02:45
From: Willem Blees
Subject: Upright caster quest

Geoff

Another option is to put caster cups under the piano. The caster cups will also raise the piano 1/2". The only problem is, the customer will not be able to move the piano around the room.

------------------------------
Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
Mililani, HI 96789

Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2017 23:36
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Upright caster quest

Customer has a Yamaha U1 upright piano.
Customer just put in brand new hardwood floors.
Customer wants to replace the brass casters with rubber, (or something soft), casters.
Current U1 casters are 1" diameter.
Only rubber casters I can find are 2" diameter. (Schaff)
Concern is over raising the height of the piano that extra inch. Not desirable.
Does anyone make 1" rubber casters? If yes, who?
Or... any suggestions as to what else to try? Caster cups are not an option.
Thanks.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

You can install double-rubber wheels. You just have to deepen the hole to accept the new socket and maybe enlarge the hole for the post. Also route out the area around the wheels where the caster swivels.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 07:08
From: Jon Page
Subject: Upright caster quest

Hardwood floors are pretty tough. There won't be much of an impression unless she will be pushing the piano around often. I'd be more concerned avout the bench scratching the floor or the heal of her shoe wearing the finish in front of the damper pedal.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 02:45
From: Willem Blees
Subject: Upright caster quest

Geoff

Another option is to put caster cups under the piano. The caster cups will also raise the piano 1/2". The only problem is, the customer will not be able to move the piano around the room.

------------------------------
Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
Mililani, HI 96789

Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2017 23:36
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Upright caster quest

Customer has a Yamaha U1 upright piano.
Customer just put in brand new hardwood floors.
Customer wants to replace the brass casters with rubber, (or something soft), casters.
Current U1 casters are 1" diameter.
Only rubber casters I can find are 2" diameter. (Schaff)
Concern is over raising the height of the piano that extra inch. Not desirable.
Does anyone make 1" rubber casters? If yes, who?
Or... any suggestions as to what else to try? Caster cups are not an option.
Thanks.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

I have recently routed out some pretty deep sockets on a Yamaha U1 and U3 to accept casters that would otherwise have raised the piano unacceptably.  It takes some planning and careful measuring, but it can be done.

------------------------------
Floyd Gadd
Regina SK
306-502-9103
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 07:55
From: Jon Page
Subject: Upright caster quest

You can install double-rubber wheels. You just have to deepen the hole to accept the new socket and maybe enlarge the hole for the post. Also route out the area around the wheels where the caster swivels.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 07:08
From: Jon Page
Subject: Upright caster quest

Hardwood floors are pretty tough. There won't be much of an impression unless she will be pushing the piano around often. I'd be more concerned avout the bench scratching the floor or the heal of her shoe wearing the finish in front of the damper pedal.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 02:45
From: Willem Blees
Subject: Upright caster quest

Geoff

Another option is to put caster cups under the piano. The caster cups will also raise the piano 1/2". The only problem is, the customer will not be able to move the piano around the room.

------------------------------
Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
Mililani, HI 96789

Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2017 23:36
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Upright caster quest

Customer has a Yamaha U1 upright piano.
Customer just put in brand new hardwood floors.
Customer wants to replace the brass casters with rubber, (or something soft), casters.
Current U1 casters are 1" diameter.
Only rubber casters I can find are 2" diameter. (Schaff)
Concern is over raising the height of the piano that extra inch. Not desirable.
Does anyone make 1" rubber casters? If yes, who?
Or... any suggestions as to what else to try? Caster cups are not an option.
Thanks.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

I can show picture after picture of hardwood floors "rutted" by piano casters. Movers or clients want the piano here or there. Follow the trough.

Felted Caster Cups (Schaff no. 836 (E/W/or M) allow the piano to be "slid" small distances. Anything more - use better technique for moving - piano dolly comes to mind.

"PTG - Expand your horizon - Share the vision"

George W.R.(Bill) Davis, RPT, SERVP
The Piano Place GA
2315 Rocky Mountain Rd NE
Marietta GA 30066
(770) 778-6881
www.pianoplace.net
Sent from my iPhone


Original Message------

Hardwood floors are pretty tough. There won't be much of an impression unless she will be pushing the piano around often. I'd be more concerned avout the bench scratching the floor or the heal of her shoe wearing the finish in front of the damper pedal.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page
------------------------------

I just received a set of these for another customer and didn't notice that they have felt bottoms. That's a great alternate idea. Thanks.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 16:52
From: George W. R. Davis
Subject: Upright caster quest

I can show picture after picture of hardwood floors "rutted" by piano casters. Movers or clients want the piano here or there. Follow the trough.

Felted Caster Cups (Schaff no. 836 (E/W/or M) allow the piano to be "slid" small distances. Anything more - use better technique for moving - piano dolly comes to mind.

"PTG - Expand your horizon - Share the vision"

George W.R.(Bill) Davis, RPT, SERVP
The Piano Place GA
2315 Rocky Mountain Rd NE
Marietta GA 30066
(770) 778-6881
www.pianoplace.net
Sent from my iPhone


Original Message------

Hardwood floors are pretty tough. There won't be much of an impression unless she will be pushing the piano around often. I'd be more concerned avout the bench scratching the floor or the heal of her shoe wearing the finish in front of the damper pedal.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page
------------------------------

Original Message------

I just received a set of these for another customer and didn't notice that they have felt bottoms. That's a great alternate idea. Thanks.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Chris,

Can you explain what exactly you mean by "melt"? I have heard of the colour bleeding onto the floor if the felt got wet, but it sounds like you are talking about something different.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 22:10
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: Upright caster quest

One word of caution to know. The cast cup felt will "melt" into the floor as time goes on. I often used them solely as a tool to slide uprights into nooks. Otherwise, feltless caster cups are safer for the floor.

Original Message------

I just received a set of these for another customer and didn't notice that they have felt bottoms. That's a great alternate idea. Thanks.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

I have sold hundreds of sets of Schaff caster cups. "Can't buy that in a blister pack at Hxmx Dxpxt!" Very popular.

The material glued on the bottoms isn't felt, it is flannel, specifically the "macintosh" that piano covers are made out of. If it gets worn out, hardware store felt will do. 

I have never had a set meld with the finish on a floor. Was this a one time occurrence, or have you seen it more than once? I would be more suspicious of the finish than the flannel. An improperly or insufficiently cured finish may never get hard. 

I warn people they will slide readily, but: 
- if they get hot from going too far, too fast the glue will fail and the flannel will curl up
- if the floor is wet they will stick and not slide easily
- if there is a piece of grit that gets caught in the flannel, it will scratch the floor 
- they will protect tile, but may not slide easily across the grout lines

Particularly for grands, I will sometimes fold hand towels or other cloths and place them under the cups for more protection whilst sliding. Also works well with tile.

------------------------------
David Stocker, RPT
PNWRVP
Olympia WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 22:52
From: Peter Stevenson
Subject: Upright caster quest

Chris,

Can you explain what exactly you mean by "melt"? I have heard of the colour bleeding onto the floor if the felt got wet, but it sounds like you are talking about something different.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 22:10
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: Upright caster quest

One word of caution to know. The cast cup felt will "melt" into the floor as time goes on. I often used them solely as a tool to slide uprights into nooks. Otherwise, feltless caster cups are safer for the floor.

Original Message------

I just received a set of these for another customer and didn't notice that they have felt bottoms. That's a great alternate idea. Thanks.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

"Magic Sliders" also work well. They have a Teflon bottom surface and do not scratch (unless there is grit on the floor). Various styles. No need to replace casters.

Pwg

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

Original Message:
Sent: 09-27-2017 01:02
From: David Stocker
Subject: Upright caster quest

I have sold hundreds of sets of Schaff caster cups. "Can't buy that in a blister pack at Hxmx Dxpxt!" Very popular.

The material glued on the bottoms isn't felt, it is flannel, specifically the "macintosh" that piano covers are made out of. If it gets worn out, hardware store felt will do.

I have never had a set meld with the finish on a floor. Was this a one time occurrence, or have you seen it more than once? I would be more suspicious of the finish than the flannel. An improperly or insufficiently cured finish may never get hard.

I warn people they will slide readily, but:
- if they get hot from going too far, too fast the glue will fail and the flannel will curl up
- if the floor is wet they will stick and not slide easily
- if there is a piece of grit that gets caught in the flannel, it will scratch the floor
- they will protect tile, but may not slide easily across the grout lines

Particularly for grands, I will sometimes fold hand towels or other cloths and place them under the cups for more protection whilst sliding. Also works well with tile.

------------------------------
David Stocker, RPT
PNWRVP
Olympia WA

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 22:52
From: Peter Stevenson
Subject: Upright caster quest

Chris,

Can you explain what exactly you mean by "melt"? I have heard of the colour bleeding onto the floor if the felt got wet, but it sounds like you are talking about something different.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2017 22:10
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: Upright caster quest

One word of caution to know. The cast cup felt will "melt" into the floor as time goes on. I often used them solely as a tool to slide uprights into nooks. Otherwise, feltless caster cups are safer for the floor.

Original Message------

I just received a set of these for another customer and didn't notice that they have felt bottoms. That's a great alternate idea. Thanks.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

I'm finding Grainger a good source for generic caster replacements at a fair price-- here's a link to one of their 1"1/2" stem casters. You can "dial" in the spec search for a specific stem length, type, load spec, marking or non-marking, etc: The load rating is the same as the Yamaha or Schaff Darnell replacement, as I recall:

Dual Whl Swvl Cstr,150 lb,1-1/2 In.TPR

Grainger		remove preview
Dual Whl Swvl Cstr,150 lb,1-1/2 In.TPR Looking for GRAINGER APPROVED Dual Whl Swvl Cstr,150 lb,1-1/2 In.TPR (22E543)? Grainger's got your back. Price:$4.30. Easy ordering & convenient delivery. Log-in or register for your pricing. View this on Grainger >

------------------------------
Brian Mott
Madison WI
608-246-0506
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2017 23:36
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Upright caster quest

Customer has a Yamaha U1 upright piano.
Customer just put in brand new hardwood floors.
Customer wants to replace the brass casters with rubber, (or something soft), casters.
Current U1 casters are 1" diameter.
Only rubber casters I can find are 2" diameter. (Schaff)
Concern is over raising the height of the piano that extra inch. Not desirable.
Does anyone make 1" rubber casters? If yes, who?
Or... any suggestions as to what else to try? Caster cups are not an option.
Thanks.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

My business Piano Forte Supply can supply two different solutions:
One is a deep caster cup called Piattino, which will slide on a floor but not let the piano roll off of it.

The other is a low profile PUR caster with needle bearings.

------------------------------
Jurgen Goering
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-27-2017 08:43
From: Brian Mott
Subject: Upright caster quest

I'm finding Grainger a good source for generic caster replacements at a fair price-- here's a link to one of their 1"1/2" stem casters. You can "dial" in the spec search for a specific stem length, type, load spec, marking or non-marking, etc: The load rating is the same as the Yamaha or Schaff Darnell replacement, as I recall:

Dual Whl Swvl Cstr,150 lb,1-1/2 In.TPR

Grainger		remove preview
Dual Whl Swvl Cstr,150 lb,1-1/2 In.TPR Looking for GRAINGER APPROVED Dual Whl Swvl Cstr,150 lb,1-1/2 In.TPR (22E543)? Grainger's got your back. Price:$4.30. Easy ordering & convenient delivery. Log-in or register for your pricing. View this on Grainger >

------------------------------
Brian Mott
Madison WI
608-246-0506

Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2017 23:36
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Upright caster quest

Customer has a Yamaha U1 upright piano.
Customer just put in brand new hardwood floors.
Customer wants to replace the brass casters with rubber, (or something soft), casters.
Current U1 casters are 1" diameter.
Only rubber casters I can find are 2" diameter. (Schaff)
Concern is over raising the height of the piano that extra inch. Not desirable.
Does anyone make 1" rubber casters? If yes, who?
Or... any suggestions as to what else to try? Caster cups are not an option.
Thanks.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------