Pianotech

Yesterday I tuned a 1960's era Baldwin grand piano that had a large amount of dust covering the sound board.  The owner asked if I was able to remove the dust.  I tried using her vacuum but the distance between the strings and sound board prevented any significant suction from reaching the layer of dust.  I then thought perhaps I could pull the action and reach in from the front of the piano with some kind of duster on an attachment, but of course, the damper wires block access.

My next thought was that perhaps I should carry with me a portable air compressor and simply blow the dust out.  But then of course it would rain dust all over her carpet, couch and everything nearby.

So then, how does one remove all the dust on the sound board, under the strings of a grand piano?

-------------------------------------------
Gary Howell
Melbourne FL
[http://www.cranecreekpianos.com/]
-------------------------------------------

It's pretty easy.  Get the Spurlock soundboard cleaning tools.  Or you can very mildly dampen a cloth or ten, of some sort; and push it up under the strings from the bass side and wipe things out.  Of course the very top treble is a pain without the Spurlock tools. Just blowing out the junk will still leave the stubborn dust  layer on the board, so, won't look clean.

Good luck. Do it before you tune of course!

Paul

-------------------------------------------
Paul T. Williams RPT
Piano Technician
Glenn Korff School of Music
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, NE 68588-0100
pwilliams4@unl.edu

-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 01-26-2014 14:07
From: Gary Howell
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

Yesterday I tuned a 1960's era Baldwin grand piano that had a large amount of dust covering the sound board.  The owner asked if I was able to remove the dust.  I tried using her vacuum but the distance between the strings and sound board prevented any significant suction from reaching the layer of dust.  I then thought perhaps I could pull the action and reach in from the front of the piano with some kind of duster on an attachment, but of course, the damper wires block access.

My next thought was that perhaps I should carry with me a portable air compressor and simply blow the dust out.  But then of course it would rain dust all over her carpet, couch and everything nearby.

So then, how does one remove all the dust on the sound board, under the strings of a grand piano?

-------------------------------------------
Gary Howell
Melbourne FL
[http://www.cranecreekpianos.com/]
-------------------------------------------

Cheap method, if you have forgotten your soundboard steel, is to get a wire coathanger, straighten it and bend a hook and atttach a rag, which can be moistened.
NOTE Make sure to cover any sharp ends with tape to prevent scratching the soundboard.
Move dust to an area that can be reached with a vacuum hose attachemnet.

-------------------------------------------
John M. Ross
Ross Piano Service
Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada
jrpiano@bellaliant.net


-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 01-26-2014 14:37
From: Gary Howell
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

Yesterday I tuned a 1960's era Baldwin grand piano that had a large amount of dust covering the sound board.  The owner asked if I was able to remove the dust.  I tried using her vacuum but the distance between the strings and sound board prevented any significant suction from reaching the layer of dust.  I then thought perhaps I could pull the action and reach in from the front of the piano with some kind of duster on an attachment, but of course, the damper wires block access.

My next thought was that perhaps I should carry with me a portable air compressor and simply blow the dust out.  But then of course it would rain dust all over her carpet, couch and everything nearby.

So then, how does one remove all the dust on the sound board, under the strings of a grand piano?

-------------------------------------------
Gary Howell
Melbourne FL
[http://www.cranecreekpianos.com/]
-------------------------------------------

Purchase a Metro Vac-N-Blo vacuum (nothing else). Spurlock tools. You can also take an acid brush and squeeze the metal handle in a vice to reach between strings and damper heads to clean the guide rail (most oft neglected area). The ones I've made lately fall apart quickly.  A flex steel and rags will round out the collection.  Do not first blow it out, dust will get everywhere and you'll then be in big trouble. Once the whole area is thoroughly vac'd, you can blow out judiciously to finish off.

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

Jon Page

Exactly;  that's what I use too along with Spurlock cleaning tools.  Works wonders. Don't blow out stuff with the vac and blow in a customers house.  I do use that in the shop though. Very handy!  It also sucks! ha ha! The cleaning services here clean off the floor and probably say some nice colorful metaphors for me.  LOL





-------------------------------------------
Paul T. Williams RPT
Piano Technician
Glenn Korff School of Music
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, NE 68588-0100
pwilliams4@unl.edu

-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 01-26-2014 15:06
From: Jon Page
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

Purchase a Metro Vac-N-Blo vacuum (nothing else). Spurlock tools. You can also take an acid brush and squeeze the metal handle in a vice to reach between strings and damper heads to clean the guide rail (most oft neglected area). The ones I've made lately fall apart quickly.  A flex steel and rags will round out the collection.  Do not first blow it out, dust will get everywhere and you'll then be in big trouble. Once the whole area is thoroughly vac'd, you can blow out judiciously to finish off.

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

Jon Page

Before bringing a grand into the shop, I try to remember to blow out the sb, tuning pin field and bottom while it's on its side outside.

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

Jon Page

As others have already said, the Spurlock tools for cleaning soundboards are great. Or for simplicity, you can just use a soft slightly dampened cloth and a soundboard steel (Schaff #934). With the action out, you can feed the cloth from either the bass or treble end. Just throw the cloth in the washing machine (sanitary cycle) when it gets too dirty and unpresentable. If you do use a soundboard steel, be gentle around the wound strings. It will leave marks if you are too aggressive. Ask me how I know.

That said, this may be a good opportunity to educate your client about the need for a complete cleaning. It only takes a few minutes to pull the action and show the client all the hidden dust that has settled there. I explain that the dust that they see on the soundboard, although unsightly, is not really all that problematic. It is the dust and grit that has settled into the moving parts and felts of the action that is the real problem.

When I do a complete cleaning, the action goes outside, the stack and keys get removed, and everything gets a thorough blowing out with compressed air. Be sure to connect a water filter to the air hose if it's a tank-based compressor so you don't end up spewing rusty water from the tank all over the action (unless of course you live in an area with zero humidity).

For the rest of the piano, I have to say that my Metro Vac-n-blo was my absolute best purchase in 2013. As Paul says, it really sucks (and blows)!

For me, a complete cleaning takes nearly two hours, and I charge accordingly. Of course, if the client chooses to only have me clean the soundboard and plate, that's fine. But if the piano needs more than just the soundboard dusted, I feel it is my responsibility to bring this to the client's attention and then let them choose.



-------------------------------------------
Roger Domeny, RPT
Domeny's Piano Service
Colton, CA
www.domenyspianoservice.com
roger@domenyspianoservice.com
(909) 824-2561
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 01-26-2014 15:59
From: Gary Howell
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

Yesterday I tuned a 1960's era Baldwin grand piano that had a large amount of dust covering the sound board.  The owner asked if I was able to remove the dust.  I tried using her vacuum but the distance between the strings and sound board prevented any significant suction from reaching the layer of dust.  I then thought perhaps I could pull the action and reach in from the front of the piano with some kind of duster on an attachment, but of course, the damper wires block access.

My next thought was that perhaps I should carry with me a portable air compressor and simply blow the dust out.  But then of course it would rain dust all over her carpet, couch and everything nearby.

So then, how does one remove all the dust on the sound board, under the strings of a grand piano?

-------------------------------------------
Gary Howell
Melbourne FL
[http://www.cranecreekpianos.com/]
-------------------------------------------

For many years I used Metro Vac-n-blo, and I own two of them. One was in the car at all times, one in the shop.
Recently I purchased a Metro Data-vac Pro. It is about half the size and weight of the Vac-n-blo. It fits into one modified lawyer's document case, with all my tuning and basic repair tools. I can arrive at the piano with all this in one neat case.
For in home piano cleaning the Data-vac Pro does everything the Vac-n-blo does.
I added a setscrew to secure the vacuum end, which can come loose with twisting the hose on or off.
Microfiber cloths have been a great addition to my cleaning kit as well.

-------------------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
704-536-7926

-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 01-26-2014 18:30
From: Roger Domeny
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

As others have already said, the Spurlock tools for cleaning soundboards are great. Or for simplicity, you can just use a soft slightly dampened cloth and a soundboard steel (Schaff #934). With the action out, you can feed the cloth from either the bass or treble end. Just throw the cloth in the washing machine (sanitary cycle) when it gets too dirty and unpresentable. If you do use a soundboard steel, be gentle around the wound strings. It will leave marks if you are too aggressive. Ask me how I know.

That said, this may be a good opportunity to educate your client about the need for a complete cleaning. It only takes a few minutes to pull the action and show the client all the hidden dust that has settled there. I explain that the dust that they see on the soundboard, although unsightly, is not really all that problematic. It is the dust and grit that has settled into the moving parts and felts of the action that is the real problem.

When I do a complete cleaning, the action goes outside, the stack and keys get removed, and everything gets a thorough blowing out with compressed air. Be sure to connect a water filter to the air hose if it's a tank-based compressor so you don't end up spewing rusty water from the tank all over the action (unless of course you live in an area with zero humidity).

For the rest of the piano, I have to say that my Metro Vac-n-blo was my absolute best purchase in 2013. As Paul says, it really sucks (and blows)!

For me, a complete cleaning takes nearly two hours, and I charge accordingly. Of course, if the client chooses to only have me clean the soundboard and plate, that's fine. But if the piano needs more than just the soundboard dusted, I feel it is my responsibility to bring this to the client's attention and then let them choose.



-------------------------------------------
Roger Domeny, RPT
Domeny's Piano Service
Colton, CA
www.domenyspianoservice.com
roger@domenyspianoservice.com
(909) 824-2561
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 01-26-2014 15:59
From: Gary Howell
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

Yesterday I tuned a 1960's era Baldwin grand piano that had a large amount of dust covering the sound board.  The owner asked if I was able to remove the dust.  I tried using her vacuum but the distance between the strings and sound board prevented any significant suction from reaching the layer of dust.  I then thought perhaps I could pull the action and reach in from the front of the piano with some kind of duster on an attachment, but of course, the damper wires block access.

My next thought was that perhaps I should carry with me a portable air compressor and simply blow the dust out.  But then of course it would rain dust all over her carpet, couch and everything nearby.

So then, how does one remove all the dust on the sound board, under the strings of a grand piano?

-------------------------------------------
Gary Howell
Melbourne FL
[http://www.cranecreekpianos.com/]
-------------------------------------------

Has anyone who uses a Metro Vac-n-blow also used an electric leaf blower to blow out pianos? I have not tried the Metro yet, and the leaf blower is definitely the best thing I have used so far for that purpose, better than any of the vacuum cleaners I have, regardless of size, or even compressed air (which I did not expect to be the case).

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






Original Message:
Sent: 01-26-2014 18:52
From: Ed Sutton
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

For many years I used Metro Vac-n-blo, and I own two of them. One was in the car at all times, one in the shop.
Recently I purchased a Metro Data-vac Pro. It is about half the size and weight of the Vac-n-blo. It fits into one modified lawyer's document case, with all my tuning and basic repair tools. I can arrive at the piano with all this in one neat case.
For in home piano cleaning the Data-vac Pro does everything the Vac-n-blo does.
I added a setscrew to secure the vacuum end, which can come loose with twisting the hose on or off.
Microfiber cloths have been a great addition to my cleaning kit as well.

-------------------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
704-536-7926

-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 01-26-2014 18:30
From: Roger Domeny
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

As others have already said, the Spurlock tools for cleaning soundboards are great. Or for simplicity, you can just use a soft slightly dampened cloth and a soundboard steel (Schaff #934). With the action out, you can feed the cloth from either the bass or treble end. Just throw the cloth in the washing machine (sanitary cycle) when it gets too dirty and unpresentable. If you do use a soundboard steel, be gentle around the wound strings. It will leave marks if you are too aggressive. Ask me how I know.

That said, this may be a good opportunity to educate your client about the need for a complete cleaning. It only takes a few minutes to pull the action and show the client all the hidden dust that has settled there. I explain that the dust that they see on the soundboard, although unsightly, is not really all that problematic. It is the dust and grit that has settled into the moving parts and felts of the action that is the real problem.

When I do a complete cleaning, the action goes outside, the stack and keys get removed, and everything gets a thorough blowing out with compressed air. Be sure to connect a water filter to the air hose if it's a tank-based compressor so you don't end up spewing rusty water from the tank all over the action (unless of course you live in an area with zero humidity).

For the rest of the piano, I have to say that my Metro Vac-n-blo was my absolute best purchase in 2013. As Paul says, it really sucks (and blows)!

For me, a complete cleaning takes nearly two hours, and I charge accordingly. Of course, if the client chooses to only have me clean the soundboard and plate, that's fine. But if the piano needs more than just the soundboard dusted, I feel it is my responsibility to bring this to the client's attention and then let them choose.



-------------------------------------------
Roger Domeny, RPT
Domeny's Piano Service
Colton, CA
www.domenyspianoservice.com
roger@domenyspianoservice.com
(909) 824-2561
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 01-26-2014 15:59
From: Gary Howell
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

Yesterday I tuned a 1960's era Baldwin grand piano that had a large amount of dust covering the sound board.  The owner asked if I was able to remove the dust.  I tried using her vacuum but the distance between the strings and sound board prevented any significant suction from reaching the layer of dust.  I then thought perhaps I could pull the action and reach in from the front of the piano with some kind of duster on an attachment, but of course, the damper wires block access.

My next thought was that perhaps I should carry with me a portable air compressor and simply blow the dust out.  But then of course it would rain dust all over her carpet, couch and everything nearby.

So then, how does one remove all the dust on the sound board, under the strings of a grand piano?

-------------------------------------------
Gary Howell
Melbourne FL
[http://www.cranecreekpianos.com/]
-------------------------------------------

Gary

You've gotten some very good advice on how to remove the dust from the soundboard. All of them are what I recommend.

On the lighter side, I tell customers that the dust on the soundboard makes the piano sound more mellow. I then tell her, if she can convince her husband that a layer of dust on all of the furniture will make the whole house more mellow, she won't have that chore to do anymore.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 01-26-2014 18:13
From: Gary Howell
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

Yesterday I tuned a 1960's era Baldwin grand piano that had a large amount of dust covering the sound board.  The owner asked if I was able to remove the dust.  I tried using her vacuum but the distance between the strings and sound board prevented any significant suction from reaching the layer of dust.  I then thought perhaps I could pull the action and reach in from the front of the piano with some kind of duster on an attachment, but of course, the damper wires block access.

My next thought was that perhaps I should carry with me a portable air compressor and simply blow the dust out.  But then of course it would rain dust all over her carpet, couch and everything nearby.

So then, how does one remove all the dust on the sound board, under the strings of a grand piano?

-------------------------------------------
Gary Howell
Melbourne FL
[http://www.cranecreekpianos.com/]
-------------------------------------------

A wet/damp rag will turn the dust to mud. Use a dry rag first to break up the layer of dust and then a damp one to scrub the haze clinging to the wood.

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

Jon Page

I waa just cleaning out a piano that sits next to a kitchen and even a damp rag wasn't getting the grunge off of the soundboard. I remembered that Dave Swartz recommended the Cory pre-treated towelettes for that. They were effective, fast, and of course very convenient. They were a little too effective around the decal, though, so be careful.


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



Original Message:
Sent: 1/26/2014 9:21:05 PM
From: jonpage@pianocapecod.com
Subject: RE:Dust on a grand sound board.

A wet/damp rag will turn the dust to mud. Use a dry rag first to break up the layer of dust and then a damp one to scrub the haze clinging to the wood. ------------------------------------------- Regards, Jon Page

Hi Gary,

try Spurlock Soundboard Cleaners; I sell a few of these a year to clients who want to do it themselves!  Sometimes they pay me to do it for them; these are nice tools; email Bill at orders@spurlocktools.com; or call 707-452-8564; or www.spurlocktools.com.

good luck!

-------------------------------------------
Peter Poole
Rochester NH
603-335-7795
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 01-27-2014 12:18
From: Gary Howell
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

Yesterday I tuned a 1960's era Baldwin grand piano that had a large amount of dust covering the sound board.  The owner asked if I was able to remove the dust.  I tried using her vacuum but the distance between the strings and sound board prevented any significant suction from reaching the layer of dust.  I then thought perhaps I could pull the action and reach in from the front of the piano with some kind of duster on an attachment, but of course, the damper wires block access.

My next thought was that perhaps I should carry with me a portable air compressor and simply blow the dust out.  But then of course it would rain dust all over her carpet, couch and everything nearby.

So then, how does one remove all the dust on the sound board, under the strings of a grand piano?

-------------------------------------------
Gary Howell
Melbourne FL
[http://www.cranecreekpianos.com/]
-------------------------------------------

Paul Jansen and Allied piano used to carry SoundBoard dusters. A long plastic handle (attaching to ) a flat tongue and a long sleeve and a faux sheepskin looking material as a cover.  The cover is washable.  I have many customers who appreciated them.   

-------------------------------------------
Gerry
Gerald P. Cousins, RPT ~ Director of Piano Service and Resources
West Chester University of PA
gcousins@wcupa.edu
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 01-28-2014 06:25
From: Peter Poole
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

Hi Gary,

try Spurlock Soundboard Cleaners; I sell a few of these a year to clients who want to do it themselves!  Sometimes they pay me to do it for them; these are nice tools; email Bill at orders@spurlocktools.com; or call 707-452-8564; or www.spurlocktools.com.

good luck!

-------------------------------------------
Peter Poole
Rochester NH
603-335-7795
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 01-27-2014 12:18
From: Gary Howell
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

Yesterday I tuned a 1960's era Baldwin grand piano that had a large amount of dust covering the sound board.  The owner asked if I was able to remove the dust.  I tried using her vacuum but the distance between the strings and sound board prevented any significant suction from reaching the layer of dust.  I then thought perhaps I could pull the action and reach in from the front of the piano with some kind of duster on an attachment, but of course, the damper wires block access.

My next thought was that perhaps I should carry with me a portable air compressor and simply blow the dust out.  But then of course it would rain dust all over her carpet, couch and everything nearby.

So then, how does one remove all the dust on the sound board, under the strings of a grand piano?

-------------------------------------------
Gary Howell
Melbourne FL
[http://www.cranecreekpianos.com/]
-------------------------------------------

I carry in my cleaning kit a pack of wooden meat skewers and a bag of cotton rags.  Rags can be cut to the necessary size to fit between the widest opening next to the struts to work the rag onto the surface, usually about 12 x 12 inches.  With two skewers you can 'walk' the rag up and down, back and forth, even in the highest treble.  You can scrub lightly on the soundboard and get more of the stuck-on material free if you are careful.  The wood will not damage the strings, and will bend nicely under strings.  An entire soundboard can be cleaned in this manner in about 20 minutes.  Use the blunt end of the skewer to prevent gouging the soundboard.  I use up 4-6 skewers on most pianos.  It doesn't even bother the tuning when done carefully!  

If you are really industrious and can sell the job, even the plate beneath those nasty, dust-filled tuning pins and strings can be cleaned in this manner.  Just lightly dampen a 1 x 2 inch piece of cotton rag with mineral spirits and go to work!   

-------------------------------------------
Ron Bergeron
Registered Piano Technician
PianoWorks LLC
Round Rock, TX
info@austinpianoworks.com
austinpianoworks@gmail.com
512-673-0350
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 01-28-2014 10:50
From: Peter Poole
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

Hi Gary,

try Spurlock Soundboard Cleaners; I sell a few of these a year to clients who want to do it themselves!  Sometimes they pay me to do it for them; these are nice tools; email Bill at orders@spurlocktools.com; or call 707-452-8564; or www.spurlocktools.com.

good luck!

-------------------------------------------
Peter Poole
Rochester NH
603-335-7795
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 01-27-2014 12:18
From: Gary Howell
Subject: Dust on a grand sound board.

Yesterday I tuned a 1960's era Baldwin grand piano that had a large amount of dust covering the sound board.  The owner asked if I was able to remove the dust.  I tried using her vacuum but the distance between the strings and sound board prevented any significant suction from reaching the layer of dust.  I then thought perhaps I could pull the action and reach in from the front of the piano with some kind of duster on an attachment, but of course, the damper wires block access.

My next thought was that perhaps I should carry with me a portable air compressor and simply blow the dust out.  But then of course it would rain dust all over her carpet, couch and everything nearby.

So then, how does one remove all the dust on the sound board, under the strings of a grand piano?

-------------------------------------------
Gary Howell
Melbourne FL
[http://www.cranecreekpianos.com/]
-------------------------------------------