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

Heavy Duty twin dollies. Perfect fix. Not especially "pretty"… but solid & affordable.

------------------------------
Kevin Fortenberry
Registered Piano Technician
Longview, TX 75602
806-778-3962
------------------------------

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

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

Kevin &nWim,

Thanks for the suggestion of twin dollies. If that look is acceptable to the piano users, it could be a good solution.

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 19:21
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
------------------------------

If the twin dollies aren’t an option, would adding “rear toe blocks” help? Instead of wood, use steel for a lower profile.

Chuck

Sent from my iPhone


Original Message:
Sent: 8/14/2022 7:41:00 PM
From: Alan Eder
Subject: RE: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Kevin &nWim,

Thanks for the suggestion of twin dollies. If that look is acceptable to the piano users, it could be a good solution.

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 19:21
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
------------------------------

Good idea, Chuck! I will put that thought in my back pocket until the powers that be issue their decree on the twin dollies.

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 08:07
From: Charles Cook
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

If the twin dollies aren't an option, would adding "rear toe blocks" help? Instead of wood, use steel for a lower profile.

Chuck

Sent from my iPhone


Original Message:
Sent: 8/14/2022 7:41:00 PM
From: Alan Eder
Subject: RE: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Kevin &nWim,

Thanks for the suggestion of twin dollies. If that look is acceptable to the piano users, it could be a good solution.

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 19:21
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
------------------------------

Since the piano will not be played by hand, you could move the center of gravity forward or back by shimming up the rear or front  casters.

------------------------------
Jurgen Goering
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-15-2022 19:47
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Good idea, Chuck! I will put that thought in my back pocket until the powers that be issue their decree on the twin dollies.

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 08:07
From: Charles Cook
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

If the twin dollies aren't an option, would adding "rear toe blocks" help? Instead of wood, use steel for a lower profile.

Chuck

Sent from my iPhone


Original Message:
Sent: 8/14/2022 7:41:00 PM
From: Alan Eder
Subject: RE: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Kevin &nWim,

Thanks for the suggestion of twin dollies. If that look is acceptable to the piano users, it could be a good solution.

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 19:21
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
------------------------------

If you don’t want to change the vertical orientation of “Lydia” you could add weight on the front legs to add more stability. Square metal bar stock is inexpensive and if cut cleanly, breaking the edges, and painting could be not too visually obtrusive.
If you google “metal bar stock weight“ you can find out weight by dimensions.
Jim Pfeiffer

Sent from my iPhone


Original Message:
Sent: 9/2/2022 12:04:00 AM
From: Jurgen Goering
Subject: RE: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Since the piano will not be played by hand, you could move the center of gravity forward or back by shimming up the rear or front  casters.

------------------------------
Jurgen Goering
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-15-2022 19:47
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Good idea, Chuck! I will put that thought in my back pocket until the powers that be issue their decree on the twin dollies.

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 08:07
From: Charles Cook
Subject: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

If the twin dollies aren't an option, would adding "rear toe blocks" help? Instead of wood, use steel for a lower profile.

Chuck

Sent from my iPhone


Original Message:
Sent: 8/14/2022 7:41:00 PM
From: Alan Eder
Subject: RE: Counterbalancing a stripped-down upright

Kevin &nWim,

Thanks for the suggestion of twin dollies. If that look is acceptable to the piano users, it could be a good solution.

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 19:21
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
------------------------------