Pianotech

  • 1.  Pianodisc solenoid removal

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-18-2021 01:26
    The client has a 2007 Steinway B that came to him with a Pianodisc system installed. He doesn't want it or use it, and has already removed all of the electronics. Is there any down side to pulling the action and removing all of the solenoids from the back of the action cavity? The touch has a slightly odd feel to it, above and beyond regulation issues, and this would be one more variable to eliminate.

    Thanks!

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    David Trasoff
    Whatcom Piano Service
    (360) 389-2158
    david@whatcompianoservice.com
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  • 2.  RE: Pianodisc solenoid removal

    Member
    Posted 11-18-2021 09:46
    When you remove the bank of solenoids and the mounting rails you will have a large slot in The keybed which can create too much flex you should make an insert that is as thick as the  keybed as well as long and deep this will stiffen the keybed the existing system may not have been reinforced with metal angle iron to stiffen things the solenoids and rails add lots of weight if  slot is not plugged mice may get into the action causing extensive damage

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    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Pianodisc solenoid removal

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-18-2021 11:35
    Just to clarify the original post, I am NOT going to remove the mounting rails and box and leave the open gap in the key bed that has been referred to. I plan to just lift the solenoid plungers out from their slots and leave the rest of the structure in place.

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    David Trasoff
    Whatcom Piano Service
    (360) 389-2158
    david@whatcompianoservice.com
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Pianodisc solenoid removal

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-18-2021 11:53
    None. They just lift right out. Be aware, however, that older PianoDisc systems had to seriously modify the pedal trapwork. Sometimes that amounted to completely disabling the middle pedal and sometimes it was just reengineering it.

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    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Pianodisc solenoid removal

    Member
    Posted 11-18-2021 16:52
    There are driver boards under the cover that each solenoid will be plugged into  you will have to remove the box and unpluG the wires if the wires are cut the solenoids will be unuseable They no longer use spring assisted solenoids but these could be used to keep older systems working if the owner took THE boards out you can remove the solenoids by unscrewing them with a1/4 nut driver

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    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Pianodisc solenoid removal

    Posted 11-18-2021 19:40
    If the action feels weird, it's probably because of the poppets pressing upwards on the backs of the keys. They might be spring-loaded, usually throws the keys out of level.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
    mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
    http://www.pianocapecod.com
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    Original Message