Pianotech

  • 1.  Lyre posts construction

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-24-2025 16:31
    I am working on the lyre of a 2007 Steinway A. I have successfully removed the pedal box from the bottom of the posts and need to remove one of the posts from the top block as well. I have drilled and cut out what seems to be enough of the wedge and gotten it to be more loose, but it will not budge, even with a sharp blow with a large hardwood drift punch.

    I see what looks like an embedded dowel or screw on the backside of the top block. Does anyone on the list know about the construction of these more modern Steinway lyres, if they have a horizontal pin or some such similar to Yamaha lyres? And if so, what angle they are installed at? What looks to be something embedded is slightly to the side of the top of the tenon in both posts so if it is a dowel, it must be inserted at an angle other than 90°.

    Any thoughts?

    Joe Wiencek
    NYC


  • 2.  RE: Lyre posts construction

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-25-2025 01:09

    Perhaps you should reevaluate your need to remove the top block.  If it is being this resistant it might not be worthwhile to completely disassemble it. Injecting epoxy and a new wedge might solidify the post to top block joint enough to continue on for another half century.



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    Blaine Hebert RPT
    Duarte CA
    (626) 390-0512
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  • 3.  RE: Lyre posts construction

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-25-2025 10:59

    Missing information. For what purpose does the singular post need to be removed?



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    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Lyre posts construction

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-25-2025 13:52

    I was thinking similarly but did not want to ask, assuming that I knew. 🤔 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Lyre posts construction

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-25-2025 16:03
    The post (only 1) is loose and wobbling, indicating the glue joint failed.  I don't believe I have encountered the tenons being doweled in addition to the wooden wedges inserted in Steinway lyres.   I was hoping someone might have some info that would enlighten my understanding of the construction.  I can always ask the manufacturer, or course. 

    I find it curious that only the top tenons are bound horizontally as well as wedged.  My assumption is that the top block is not visible, whereas the pedal box is, and becomes harder to mask cosmetically a dowel hole (although on the less visible tail side.) 

    The pedal box tenons do seem more vulnerable than those in the top block, with the extra pressure exerted nearby from the pedals.  Add movers using the lyre to support the weight of the piano, and even a relatively newish lyre can start elongating with pedal playing.  This piano is fairly heavily used, in a music school, and has been moved multiple times.  

    Joe



    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Lyre posts construction

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-25-2025 15:40
    Blaine,
    I am leaning towards just this approach, thanks for the suggestion.  

    Joe



    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Lyre posts construction

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-25-2025 19:30

    It'll never come apart again. 😉 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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    Original Message