Pianotech

  • 1.  Boston Leg Bolts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-02-2019 09:06
    I have a Boston baby grand GP-156 that the movers lost a leg bolt.  Although these are made by kawai, the parts dept can't divulge any specs or parts for them.  Steinway is non responsive, despite emailing and calling the parts dept.  If I had the thread size/count, I could source one elsewhere.  It's about 2 3/4" long.  Thanks.
    Paul McCloud

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    Paul McCloud, RPT
    Accutone Piano Service
    www.AccutonePianoService.com
    service@accutonepianoservice.com
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  • 2.  RE: Boston Leg Bolts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-02-2019 10:09
    Paul,

    How about remove one of the other leg bolts and read it with a thread reading gauge. Then you would have the information you need to begin your scavenger hunt.

    Alan

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


  • 3.  RE: Boston Leg Bolts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-02-2019 10:22
    Hi Alan:
    Of course, that's a sure-fire way. Being lazy by nature, I thought I'd avoid going back to the piano, making the appointment, etc., just to get the size. It's not in my shop. But I will if I have to.
    Thanks.
    Paul




    Paul,

    How about remove one of the other leg bolts and read it with a thread reading gauge. Then you would have the information you need to begin your scavenger hunt.

    Alan

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



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Boston Leg Bolts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-02-2019 10:32
    Ok, so I found a post from Don Mannino from back in 2016 regarding the leg bolts on Kawai. I'm guessing the Boston bolts are the same. Don said, "But since the KG 'C' series started in about 1972, the leg bolts have all been metric; 12mm 1.75mm thread pitch and available in 70mm, 85mm, and 100mm lengths."
    I guess that pretty much nails it.
    Paul McCloud


    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Boston Leg Bolts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-02-2019 10:54
    Paul,
    Yes, Don is correct. Producing numerous sizes of clamping bolts for the piano tilter, it is known to me that Kawai uses 12 mm x 1.75 thread for their leg and lyre bolts.
    Roger



    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Boston Leg Bolts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-02-2019 11:12
    I'm pretty sure the leg bolts changed sizes at some point. You might want to check out the existing bolts from the other legs anyway just to be sure.

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    Daniel DeBiasio
    Brooklyn, NY
    646.801.8863
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Boston Leg Bolts

    Posted 07-02-2019 11:07
    So Boston leg bolts are a closely guarded secret?

    Until 1971/72 Kawai used Whitworth, ½" x 12; Now they are 12 mm x 1.75 mm.

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    Regards,

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


  • 8.  RE: Boston Leg Bolts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-02-2019 11:15
    Jon,
    That's interesting. The Whitworth bolts are associated with Samick and Young Chang products.
    Roger



    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Boston Leg Bolts

    Posted 07-02-2019 14:58
    A few years ago, I had 2 Kawais in the shop. 1971 and 1978. '71 had Whitworth; '78 had mm.
    Before I sold the '71, I installed the new 12 mm bolts and sockets; the lyre stayed Whitworth due to the iteration of the socket.
    So now I have 6: ½" x 12 tpi Whitworth leg bolts and sockets.  Just in case...

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    Regards,

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