Pianotech

One of my church clients has a 1940's Kranich and Bach that had some work (new pinblock, strings, action repair) in the 80s-90s.  They did not rebuild the lyre, so the sustain pedal is really loose - so much so that the rod keep falling out.  I told them I would work on it and it has been decades since I worked on one(with my mentor) and I cannot remember what to do.  I tried researching this topic and am not coming up with much on here.  I am going to pick it up after church today.  What should I be looking out for when repairing and making the pedal more secure.  And should I also purchase some new pedal rods from Schaft?  Any ideas appreciated!

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Patrick Greene
OWNER
Knoxville TN
(865) 384-6582
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When you say it’s loose. What does that mean? Is the pedal itself wobbling? Is the trap not holding the rod in place?


Sent from my iPhone

The pedal has "side to side"  movement-a lot.  The rod is not attached to anything at the top.  The trap  has some old leather on the bottom and the rod just falls out

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Patrick Greene
OWNER
Knoxville TN
(865) 384-6582
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-19-2026 10:29
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Lyre work

When you say it's loose. What does that mean? Is the pedal itself wobbling? Is the trap not holding the rod in place?


Sent from my iPhone

Take the lyre box apart and check what and the pedal is attached and fix anything that is broken. Also replace all the leather and felts on the traps. You should’ve also checked springs inside the action cavity.

Wim.
Sent from my iPhone


Original Message:
Sent: 4/19/2026 10:46:00 AM
From: Patrick Greene
Subject: RE: Lyre work

The pedal has "side to side"  movement-a lot.  The rod is not attached to anything at the top.  The trap  has some old leather on the bottom and the rod just falls out

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Patrick Greene
OWNER
Knoxville TN
(865) 384-6582
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Great.  I am going this afternoon, so I will check everything out..take lots of pictures.

thanks!

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Patrick Greene
OWNER
Knoxville TN
(865) 384-6582
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-19-2026 11:19
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Lyre work

Take the lyre box apart and check what and the pedal is attached and fix anything that is broken. Also replace all the leather and felts on the traps. You should've also checked springs inside the action cavity.

Wim.
Sent from my iPhone



Original Message:
Sent: 4/19/2026 10:46:00 AM
From: Patrick Greene
Subject: RE: Lyre work

The pedal has "side to side"  movement-a lot.  The rod is not attached to anything at the top.  The trap  has some old leather on the bottom and the rod just falls out

------------------------------
Patrick Greene
OWNER
Knoxville TN
(865) 384-6582
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 04-19-2026 10:29
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Lyre work

When you say it's loose. What does that mean? Is the pedal itself wobbling? Is the trap not holding the rod in place?


Sent from my iPhone

I would first take the lyre apart noting and numbering pedal rods. Check bushings that support lyre rods.  Check pedal pins and pedals for looseness. Finally

examine all glue joints and repair as necessary.  The rods can be polished and lacquered.  Refelt lyre as needed. It is surprising how many rebuilders neglect

lyre, trapwork and damper work.  Charge accordingly and make sure after repairs that lyre fits flush to the underside of keybed (no daylight) and that the

lyre support rods are tight.

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Parker Leigh RPT
Winchester VA
(540) 722-3865
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