Greetings,

We have an old, full upright that has been stripped of its action, trap work, keys, keybed and legs.

"Lydia," as this special lady has affectionately been christened, has been "Trimpin-ized" (search "Trimpin"). The strings of this instrument are now excited by same fan-like devices and solenoids, (mounted on horizontal extruded aluminum rails)...There is even a hacksaw on the bass bridge. Like all of the other robotic instruments in our "Machine Lab," Lydia is controlled remotely from a computer. (If the--hopefully--attached image seems familiar, it is because I have posted about Lydia before, concerning the challenges of tuning a piano with no action or keys.)

With the addition of more weight (the string exciting devices) in the area of the string frame, compounded by the removal of weight from the front of the piano, Lydia can get a bit tipsy when being moved.

The question is: How best to counterbalance Lydia (which will likely involve adding weight on the toe blocks(?), as far forward as possible)? 

Thanks,

Alan

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

Original Message:
Sent: 8/14/2022 7:11:00 PM
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Greetings,

We have an old, full upright that has been stripped of its action, trap work, keys, keybed and legs.

"Lydia," as this special lady has affectionately been christened, has been "Trimpin-ized" (search "Trimpin"). The strings of this instrument are now excited by same fan-like devices and solenoids, (mounted on horizontal extruded aluminum rails)...There is even a hacksaw on the bass bridge. Like all of the other robotic instruments in our "Machine Lab," Lydia is controlled remotely from a computer. (If the--hopefully--attached image seems familiar, it is because I have posted about Lydia before, concerning the challenges of tuning a piano with no action or keys.)

With the addition of more weight (the string exciting devices) in the area of the string frame, compounded by the removal of weight from the front of the piano, Lydia can get a bit tipsy when being moved.

The question is: How best to counterbalance Lydia (which will likely involve adding weight on the toe blocks(?), as far forward as possible)? 

Thanks,

Alan

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

Even with dollies, it will be back-heavy. Add large metal blocks/boxes on the toe blocks. Bricks or stone even.

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

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2022 19:23
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Instead of casters on the toe block, install twin dollies, and paint them silver. From Schaff.

TWIN DOLLIES, 2-1/2" CASTERS

$195.00  PRODUCT NUMBER : 4009 (PAIR)

Original Message:
Sent: 8/14/2022 7:11:00 PM
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Greetings,

We have an old, full upright that has been stripped of its action, trap work, keys, keybed and legs.

"Lydia," as this special lady has affectionately been christened, has been "Trimpin-ized" (search "Trimpin"). The strings of this instrument are now excited by same fan-like devices and solenoids, (mounted on horizontal extruded aluminum rails)...There is even a hacksaw on the bass bridge. Like all of the other robotic instruments in our "Machine Lab," Lydia is controlled remotely from a computer. (If the--hopefully--attached image seems familiar, it is because I have posted about Lydia before, concerning the challenges of tuning a piano with no action or keys.)

With the addition of more weight (the string exciting devices) in the area of the string frame, compounded by the removal of weight from the front of the piano, Lydia can get a bit tipsy when being moved.

The question is: How best to counterbalance Lydia (which will likely involve adding weight on the toe blocks(?), as far forward as possible)?

Thanks,

Alan

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

Jon,

Yes, there will still be more weight near the rear wheels of the twin dollies than near the front. It figures that adding weight down low and as far away from the back of the piano as possible would help counterbalance things.

Alan

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2022 19:53
From: Jon Page
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Even with dollies, it will be back-heavy. Add large metal blocks/boxes on the toe blocks. Bricks or stone even.

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

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2022 19:23
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Instead of casters on the toe block, install twin dollies, and paint them silver. From Schaff.

TWIN DOLLIES, 2-1/2" CASTERS

$195.00  PRODUCT NUMBER : 4009 (PAIR)

Original Message:
Sent: 8/14/2022 7:11:00 PM
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Greetings,

We have an old, full upright that has been stripped of its action, trap work, keys, keybed and legs.

"Lydia," as this special lady has affectionately been christened, has been "Trimpin-ized" (search "Trimpin"). The strings of this instrument are now excited by same fan-like devices and solenoids, (mounted on horizontal extruded aluminum rails)...There is even a hacksaw on the bass bridge. Like all of the other robotic instruments in our "Machine Lab," Lydia is controlled remotely from a computer. (If the--hopefully--attached image seems familiar, it is because I have posted about Lydia before, concerning the challenges of tuning a piano with no action or keys.)

With the addition of more weight (the string exciting devices) in the area of the string frame, compounded by the removal of weight from the front of the piano, Lydia can get a bit tipsy when being moved.

The question is: How best to counterbalance Lydia (which will likely involve adding weight on the toe blocks(?), as far forward as possible)?

Thanks,

Alan

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

Just another thought, if you are able to lean it forward a bit without affecting the functions you might experiment with larger back wheels or add an inch or so block above the back wheels or install smaller wheels in front. Additional bracing as mentioned by others would be a good idea especially since those original toe blocks are not very structurally strongly connected without the legs and keybed etc.

------------------------------
Jonathan Moberg RPT
Shorewood WI
(414) 962-2227
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-15-2022 19:45
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Jon,

Yes, there will still be more weight near the rear wheels of the twin dollies than near the front. It figures that adding weight down low and as far away from the back of the piano as possible would help counterbalance things.

Alan

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2022 19:53
From: Jon Page
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Even with dollies, it will be back-heavy. Add large metal blocks/boxes on the toe blocks. Bricks or stone even.

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

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2022 19:23
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Instead of casters on the toe block, install twin dollies, and paint them silver. From Schaff.

TWIN DOLLIES, 2-1/2" CASTERS

$195.00  PRODUCT NUMBER : 4009 (PAIR)

Original Message:
Sent: 8/14/2022 7:11:00 PM
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Greetings,

We have an old, full upright that has been stripped of its action, trap work, keys, keybed and legs.

"Lydia," as this special lady has affectionately been christened, has been "Trimpin-ized" (search "Trimpin"). The strings of this instrument are now excited by same fan-like devices and solenoids, (mounted on horizontal extruded aluminum rails)...There is even a hacksaw on the bass bridge. Like all of the other robotic instruments in our "Machine Lab," Lydia is controlled remotely from a computer. (If the--hopefully--attached image seems familiar, it is because I have posted about Lydia before, concerning the challenges of tuning a piano with no action or keys.)

With the addition of more weight (the string exciting devices) in the area of the string frame, compounded by the removal of weight from the front of the piano, Lydia can get a bit tipsy when being moved.

The question is: How best to counterbalance Lydia (which will likely involve adding weight on the toe blocks(?), as far forward as possible)?

Thanks,

Alan

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

Tilting it forward slightly had crossed my mind, Jonathan. Thanks for bringing it up!

Alan

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2022 12:45
From: Jonathan Moberg
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Just another thought, if you are able to lean it forward a bit without affecting the functions you might experiment with larger back wheels or add an inch or so block above the back wheels or install smaller wheels in front. Additional bracing as mentioned by others would be a good idea especially since those original toe blocks are not very structurally strongly connected without the legs and keybed etc.

------------------------------
Jonathan Moberg RPT
Shorewood WI
(414) 962-2227

Original Message:
Sent: 08-15-2022 19:45
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Jon,

Yes, there will still be more weight near the rear wheels of the twin dollies than near the front. It figures that adding weight down low and as far away from the back of the piano as possible would help counterbalance things.

Alan

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2022 19:53
From: Jon Page
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Even with dollies, it will be back-heavy. Add large metal blocks/boxes on the toe blocks. Bricks or stone even.

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

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2022 19:23
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Instead of casters on the toe block, install twin dollies, and paint them silver. From Schaff.

TWIN DOLLIES, 2-1/2" CASTERS

$195.00  PRODUCT NUMBER : 4009 (PAIR)

Original Message:
Sent: 8/14/2022 7:11:00 PM
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Greetings,

We have an old, full upright that has been stripped of its action, trap work, keys, keybed and legs.

"Lydia," as this special lady has affectionately been christened, has been "Trimpin-ized" (search "Trimpin"). The strings of this instrument are now excited by same fan-like devices and solenoids, (mounted on horizontal extruded aluminum rails)...There is even a hacksaw on the bass bridge. Like all of the other robotic instruments in our "Machine Lab," Lydia is controlled remotely from a computer. (If the--hopefully--attached image seems familiar, it is because I have posted about Lydia before, concerning the challenges of tuning a piano with no action or keys.)

With the addition of more weight (the string exciting devices) in the area of the string frame, compounded by the removal of weight from the front of the piano, Lydia can get a bit tipsy when being moved.

The question is: How best to counterbalance Lydia (which will likely involve adding weight on the toe blocks(?), as far forward as possible)?

Thanks,

Alan

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

I like Lydia already. Can you post some recordings?

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2022 19:11
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Greetings,

We have an old, full upright that has been stripped of its action, trap work, keys, keybed and legs.

"Lydia," as this special lady has affectionately been christened, has been "Trimpin-ized" (search "Trimpin"). The strings of this instrument are now excited by same fan-like devices and solenoids, (mounted on horizontal extruded aluminum rails)...There is even a hacksaw on the bass bridge. Like all of the other robotic instruments in our "Machine Lab," Lydia is controlled remotely from a computer. (If the--hopefully--attached image seems familiar, it is because I have posted about Lydia before, concerning the challenges of tuning a piano with no action or keys.)

With the addition of more weight (the string exciting devices) in the area of the string frame, compounded by the removal of weight from the front of the piano, Lydia can get a bit tipsy when being moved.

The question is: How best to counterbalance Lydia (which will likely involve adding weight on the toe blocks(?), as far forward as possible)?

Thanks,

Alan

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

If for some reason you don't want to add weight to the front, you could extend the wheels out in back to center the load better; perhaps the twin dollies would do if you installed them backwards. Bit of a tripping hazard though. If not the dollies you could bolt stout 2x4's to the cabinet and extend them back behind and attach casters. I've done something like that using lag bolts into the back and through-bolting into the side of the cabinet. 
If you add weight to the front you can span the toe blocks to spread the weight rather than creating a pile of whatever on both sides. Usually on theater stages they have cast iron bars that they use for rigging sets etc. They are about the right size.

------------------------------
Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2022 21:08
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

I like Lydia already. Can you post some recordings?

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2022 19:11
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Greetings,

We have an old, full upright that has been stripped of its action, trap work, keys, keybed and legs.

"Lydia," as this special lady has affectionately been christened, has been "Trimpin-ized" (search "Trimpin"). The strings of this instrument are now excited by same fan-like devices and solenoids, (mounted on horizontal extruded aluminum rails)...There is even a hacksaw on the bass bridge. Like all of the other robotic instruments in our "Machine Lab," Lydia is controlled remotely from a computer. (If the--hopefully--attached image seems familiar, it is because I have posted about Lydia before, concerning the challenges of tuning a piano with no action or keys.)

With the addition of more weight (the string exciting devices) in the area of the string frame, compounded by the removal of weight from the front of the piano, Lydia can get a bit tipsy when being moved.

The question is: How best to counterbalance Lydia (which will likely involve adding weight on the toe blocks(?), as far forward as possible)?

Thanks,

Alan

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

I like the cut of your jib, Steve. Thanks!

Alan

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-15-2022 14:19
From: Steven Rosenthal
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

If for some reason you don't want to add weight to the front, you could extend the wheels out in back to center the load better; perhaps the twin dollies would do if you installed them backwards. Bit of a tripping hazard though. If not the dollies you could bolt stout 2x4's to the cabinet and extend them back behind and attach casters. I've done something like that using lag bolts into the back and through-bolting into the side of the cabinet.
If you add weight to the front you can span the toe blocks to spread the weight rather than creating a pile of whatever on both sides. Usually on theater stages they have cast iron bars that they use for rigging sets etc. They are about the right size.

------------------------------
Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129

Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2022 21:08
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

I like Lydia already. Can you post some recordings?

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2022 19:11
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Greetings,

We have an old, full upright that has been stripped of its action, trap work, keys, keybed and legs.

"Lydia," as this special lady has affectionately been christened, has been "Trimpin-ized" (search "Trimpin"). The strings of this instrument are now excited by same fan-like devices and solenoids, (mounted on horizontal extruded aluminum rails)...There is even a hacksaw on the bass bridge. Like all of the other robotic instruments in our "Machine Lab," Lydia is controlled remotely from a computer. (If the--hopefully--attached image seems familiar, it is because I have posted about Lydia before, concerning the challenges of tuning a piano with no action or keys.)

With the addition of more weight (the string exciting devices) in the area of the string frame, compounded by the removal of weight from the front of the piano, Lydia can get a bit tipsy when being moved.

The question is: How best to counterbalance Lydia (which will likely involve adding weight on the toe blocks(?), as far forward as possible)?

Thanks,

Alan

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

Is there any reason why Lydia has to remain upright? Why not put some wheels on her back, maybe even some short legs, and lay her down flat?

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2022 19:11
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Greetings,

We have an old, full upright that has been stripped of its action, trap work, keys, keybed and legs.

"Lydia," as this special lady has affectionately been christened, has been "Trimpin-ized" (search "Trimpin"). The strings of this instrument are now excited by same fan-like devices and solenoids, (mounted on horizontal extruded aluminum rails)...There is even a hacksaw on the bass bridge. Like all of the other robotic instruments in our "Machine Lab," Lydia is controlled remotely from a computer. (If the--hopefully--attached image seems familiar, it is because I have posted about Lydia before, concerning the challenges of tuning a piano with no action or keys.)

With the addition of more weight (the string exciting devices) in the area of the string frame, compounded by the removal of weight from the front of the piano, Lydia can get a bit tipsy when being moved.

The question is: How best to counterbalance Lydia (which will likely involve adding weight on the toe blocks(?), as far forward as possible)?

Thanks,

Alan

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

That's a good question, Geoff. I am guessing that it is a matter of footprint and portability. But no need to speculate when we can inquire. I'll ask!

Alan

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2022 13:43
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Is there any reason why Lydia has to remain upright? Why not put some wheels on her back, maybe even some short legs, and lay her down flat?

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2022 19:11
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Greetings,

We have an old, full upright that has been stripped of its action, trap work, keys, keybed and legs.

"Lydia," as this special lady has affectionately been christened, has been "Trimpin-ized" (search "Trimpin"). The strings of this instrument are now excited by same fan-like devices and solenoids, (mounted on horizontal extruded aluminum rails)...There is even a hacksaw on the bass bridge. Like all of the other robotic instruments in our "Machine Lab," Lydia is controlled remotely from a computer. (If the--hopefully--attached image seems familiar, it is because I have posted about Lydia before, concerning the challenges of tuning a piano with no action or keys.)

With the addition of more weight (the string exciting devices) in the area of the string frame, compounded by the removal of weight from the front of the piano, Lydia can get a bit tipsy when being moved.

The question is: How best to counterbalance Lydia (which will likely involve adding weight on the toe blocks(?), as far forward as possible)?

Thanks,

Alan

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