CAUT

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

Piano Covers

Locking the fallboard and lid with key

Cable locks on Covers

Proper Lid Prop Placement (Short/long), which cup under the lid is for which prop stick

Stowing Music desk properly so lowering the lid doesn't smash it

Checking lid hinges, tightening screws, hinge pins

Leg bolts and leg mounting hardware check for tightness

Integrity of stage flooring- no cracks or carpet seams

Checking the power cords to damppchasers when in storage

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

Regarding pushing the piano around:

Though retired, I still work with the local high school for their quarterly choir and band recitals for which their pristine 7' Yamaha gets moved from the choir room to the auditorium stage.   Enroute, it must pass through two double doors.  Fortunately these doors don't have the removable central post with the little anchor stub protruding from the floor; I've repaired several lyres which were sabotaged by those stubs.

However, passing through the door jambs is fraught with the potential to smash the case and lid -- especially when the piano is piloted by four energetic and inattentive students.  My instructions to the students are:  "Place your hands on the lid and case here at the widest parts when you go through the doors." 

The first time I gave those instructions, the choir teacher was horrified.  He said, "But the students could smash their hands or fingers!"   
"Exactly my point!" was my reply.

------------------------------
John Rhodes
Vancouver WA
(360) 721-0728
jrhodes@pacifier.com

Original Message:
Sent: 03-07-2024 10:00
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Stage crew education

Piano Covers

Locking the fallboard and lid with key

Cable locks on Covers

Proper Lid Prop Placement (Short/long), which cup under the lid is for which prop stick

Stowing Music desk properly so lowering the lid doesn't smash it

Checking lid hinges, tightening screws, hinge pins

Leg bolts and leg mounting hardware check for tightness

Integrity of stage flooring- no cracks or carpet seams

Checking the power cords to damppchasers when in storage

------------------------------
Paul McCloud, RPT
Accutone Piano Service
www.AccutonePianoService.com
pavadasa@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 03-07-2024 09:41
From: Zeno Wood
Subject: Stage crew education

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

------------------------------
Zeno Wood
Brooklyn, NY
------------------------------

Thanks to all!  Some good topics that I needed to be reminded of.  Here's what I came up with.  Hope you find it useful.

I see that the formatting is all undone.  I'll make another post with the word doc as an attachment.

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

Orientation to Piano Handling for Stage Crew

Current price of new piano: S&S D = $217k, Yamaha C6 = $80k

Moving – push. 

·         Not on keyboard or keyslip etc.  Structurally sound parts.

·         Go slow.  About 1/3 as fast as you think is ok. (Show picture of piano upside down)

·         Avoid cracks/cut-outs in stage (show the broken leg)

·         When passing through doorways or narrow spaces: spotters on both sides, go even slower.

·         Electric/audio cables

Wheels/brakes (large brass type)

·         Tighten brakes when parked, loosen brakes when moving.

·         Tighten = go to point of contact and then just a little more.  NOT as tight as you can!

·         Loosen = ¼ turn.  NOT 3 turns!

·         "Snug is good, tight is bad"

·         Try to leave large brass piano wheels pointing forward or backwards, not out or in.

Trucks: (spider dolly/stage truck)

Trucks: "Pianomover"

·         Placement of rubber bumpers underneath piano

·         Raise bumpers via threaded stem. How close to piano beams and bottom of keybed, then engage jack

·         Hydraulic jack – don't press the red button no matter how inviting it is.

·         Key must be closed when raising jack.

·         Key slowly released to lower piano.  Maintain control, not sudden.

·         Try to leave large brass piano wheels pointing forward or backwards, not out or in.

·         Keep key in closed position when done lowering.

Tapes/adhesives

·         Please don't use gaff tape, duct tape, etc.

·         Polyester finish more durable than lacquer

Food & drink

·         NO!

Stuff on top of and near the piano

·         Piano is not a table.

·         In storage, make sure that stand rack and chairs won't be pushed into piano

Piano bench

·         Don't drag it

·         Lift by handles

·         Hold close to your body

·         Piano music desk

Piano lid

·         Don't move piano with lid up

·         Long stick, short stick, which holes

·         Usually long stick for solo piano, short stick for accompaniment.  Ask.

·         Front flap should be open before raising lid

·         If requested to remove lid: tap out hinge pins with needle-nose pliers and hammer.  Careful not to scratch side of piano

·         Lift lid straight up before moving.

·         Have a place to put the lid before moving!  Table with blanket is good.

Piano cover

·         Fold with white cotton innards facing in

·         place on chair or table, not on floor

Music desk

·         Sometimes artists want it removed.  Make sure to put it back the right way (felt/leather strip facing keys) or it will be embarrassing for crew to walk out on stage to put it right.

Fallboard lock

·         Don't lose it! (Put label on it so people will know what it is and where to return it if found)

Piano technician needs

·         Please have piano in place before tuning.  The more time piano has on stage to acclimate (lighting/heat/humidity conditions), the better chance the piano will stay in tune.

·         Please be kind to your tuner!  Tuners are generally happy to work around you but certain things make work very difficult: noise, vacuum, genie beeping, music being played.

------------------------------
Zeno Wood
Brooklyn, NY

Original Message:
Sent: 03-07-2024 12:07
From: John Rhodes
Subject: Stage crew education

Regarding pushing the piano around:

Though retired, I still work with the local high school for their quarterly choir and band recitals for which their pristine 7' Yamaha gets moved from the choir room to the auditorium stage.   Enroute, it must pass through two double doors.  Fortunately these doors don't have the removable central post with the little anchor stub protruding from the floor; I've repaired several lyres which were sabotaged by those stubs.

However, passing through the door jambs is fraught with the potential to smash the case and lid -- especially when the piano is piloted by four energetic and inattentive students.  My instructions to the students are:  "Place your hands on the lid and case here at the widest parts when you go through the doors." 

The first time I gave those instructions, the choir teacher was horrified.  He said, "But the students could smash their hands or fingers!"   
"Exactly my point!" was my reply.

------------------------------
John Rhodes
Vancouver WA
(360) 721-0728
jrhodes@pacifier.com

Original Message:
Sent: 03-07-2024 10:00
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Stage crew education

Piano Covers

Locking the fallboard and lid with key

Cable locks on Covers

Proper Lid Prop Placement (Short/long), which cup under the lid is for which prop stick

Stowing Music desk properly so lowering the lid doesn't smash it

Checking lid hinges, tightening screws, hinge pins

Leg bolts and leg mounting hardware check for tightness

Integrity of stage flooring- no cracks or carpet seams

Checking the power cords to damppchasers when in storage

------------------------------
Paul McCloud, RPT
Accutone Piano Service
www.AccutonePianoService.com
pavadasa@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 03-07-2024 09:41
From: Zeno Wood
Subject: Stage crew education

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

------------------------------
Zeno Wood
Brooklyn, NY
------------------------------

Thanks to all!  Some good topics that I needed to be reminded of.  Here's what I came up with.  Hope you find it useful.

I see that the formatting is all undone.  I'll make another post with the word doc as an attachment.

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

Orientation to Piano Handling for Stage Crew

Current price of new piano: S&S D = $217k, Yamaha C6 = $80k

Moving – push. 

·         Not on keyboard or keyslip etc.  Structurally sound parts.

·         Go slow.  About 1/3 as fast as you think is ok. (Show picture of piano upside down)

·         Avoid cracks/cut-outs in stage (show the broken leg)

·         When passing through doorways or narrow spaces: spotters on both sides, go even slower.

·         Electric/audio cables

Wheels/brakes (large brass type)

·         Tighten brakes when parked, loosen brakes when moving.

·         Tighten = go to point of contact and then just a little more.  NOT as tight as you can!

·         Loosen = ¼ turn.  NOT 3 turns!

·         "Snug is good, tight is bad"

·         Try to leave large brass piano wheels pointing forward or backwards, not out or in.

Trucks: (spider dolly/stage truck)

Trucks: "Pianomover"

·         Placement of rubber bumpers underneath piano

·         Raise bumpers via threaded stem. How close to piano beams and bottom of keybed, then engage jack

·         Hydraulic jack – don't press the red button no matter how inviting it is.

·         Key must be closed when raising jack.

·         Key slowly released to lower piano.  Maintain control, not sudden.

·         Try to leave large brass piano wheels pointing forward or backwards, not out or in.

·         Keep key in closed position when done lowering.

Tapes/adhesives

·         Please don't use gaff tape, duct tape, etc.

·         Polyester finish more durable than lacquer

Food & drink

·         NO!

Stuff on top of and near the piano

·         Piano is not a table.

·         In storage, make sure that stand rack and chairs won't be pushed into piano

Piano bench

·         Don't drag it

·         Lift by handles

·         Hold close to your body

·         Piano music desk

Piano lid

·         Don't move piano with lid up

·         Long stick, short stick, which holes

·         Usually long stick for solo piano, short stick for accompaniment.  Ask.

·         Front flap should be open before raising lid

·         If requested to remove lid: tap out hinge pins with needle-nose pliers and hammer.  Careful not to scratch side of piano

·         Lift lid straight up before moving.

·         Have a place to put the lid before moving!  Table with blanket is good.

Piano cover

·         Fold with white cotton innards facing in

·         place on chair or table, not on floor

Music desk

·         Sometimes artists want it removed.  Make sure to put it back the right way (felt/leather strip facing keys) or it will be embarrassing for crew to walk out on stage to put it right.

Fallboard lock

·         Don't lose it! (Put label on it so people will know what it is and where to return it if found)

Piano technician needs

·         Please have piano in place before tuning.  The more time piano has on stage to acclimate (lighting/heat/humidity conditions), the better chance the piano will stay in tune.

·         Please be kind to your tuner!  Tuners are generally happy to work around you but certain things make work very difficult: noise, vacuum, genie beeping, music being played.

------------------------------
Zeno Wood
Brooklyn, NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-07-2024 12:07
From: John Rhodes
Subject: Stage crew education

Regarding pushing the piano around:

Though retired, I still work with the local high school for their quarterly choir and band recitals for which their pristine 7' Yamaha gets moved from the choir room to the auditorium stage.   Enroute, it must pass through two double doors.  Fortunately these doors don't have the removable central post with the little anchor stub protruding from the floor; I've repaired several lyres which were sabotaged by those stubs.

However, passing through the door jambs is fraught with the potential to smash the case and lid -- especially when the piano is piloted by four energetic and inattentive students.  My instructions to the students are:  "Place your hands on the lid and case here at the widest parts when you go through the doors." 

The first time I gave those instructions, the choir teacher was horrified.  He said, "But the students could smash their hands or fingers!"   
"Exactly my point!" was my reply.

------------------------------
John Rhodes
Vancouver WA
(360) 721-0728
jrhodes@pacifier.com

Original Message:
Sent: 03-07-2024 10:00
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Stage crew education

Piano Covers

Locking the fallboard and lid with key

Cable locks on Covers

Proper Lid Prop Placement (Short/long), which cup under the lid is for which prop stick

Stowing Music desk properly so lowering the lid doesn't smash it

Checking lid hinges, tightening screws, hinge pins

Leg bolts and leg mounting hardware check for tightness

Integrity of stage flooring- no cracks or carpet seams

Checking the power cords to damppchasers when in storage

------------------------------
Paul McCloud, RPT
Accutone Piano Service
www.AccutonePianoService.com
pavadasa@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 03-07-2024 09:41
From: Zeno Wood
Subject: Stage crew education

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

------------------------------
Zeno Wood
Brooklyn, NY
------------------------------

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

Don't leave a vinyl cover on the surface of the piano if it's lacquer.  Or put a piano bench with a vinyl top upside down on the piano.  Vinyl will soften and bubble a lacquer finish.

No solvents used on plastic piano keys, including Goof-Off and similar.

No furniture polish on polyester finish.  Only use proper polishes on polyester.

Never do any work above the piano even with padding.  If they have to reposition lights, etc., always move the piano. 

A piano lid is not a workbench or desk.  Always pad the surface.

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

Don't leave a vinyl cover on the surface of the piano if it's lacquer.  Or put a piano bench with a vinyl top upside down on the piano.  Vinyl will soften and bubble a lacquer finish.

No solvents used on plastic piano keys, including Goof-Off and similar.

No furniture polish on polyester finish.  Only use proper polishes on polyester.

Never do any work above the piano even with padding.  If they have to reposition lights, etc., always move the piano. 

A piano lid is not a workbench or desk.  Always pad the surface.

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

Paul, nothing like going into a high school to tune their Steinway and find foot prints and paint splatters from students standing on it to paint sets.

Don't leave a vinyl cover on the surface of the piano if it's lacquer.  Or put a piano bench with a vinyl top upside down on the piano.  Vinyl will soften and bubble a lacquer finish.

No solvents used on plastic piano keys, including Goof-Off and similar.

No furniture polish on polyester finish.  Only use proper polishes on polyester.

Never do any work above the piano even with padding.  If they have to reposition lights, etc., always move the piano. 

A piano lid is not a workbench or desk.  Always pad the surface.

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

UNPLUG Damp Chasers before moving the piano. We had someone move a Grand Piano with the power cord plugged in and it tore the cord out of the humidistat. Same hold true of piano lights- unplug them and remove lights from the music racks. Tape down wires or extension cords to prevent tripping. Move mics and mic stands . music stands away from pianos before moves

Paul, nothing like going into a high school to tune their Steinway and find foot prints and paint splatters from students standing on it to paint sets.

Don't leave a vinyl cover on the surface of the piano if it's lacquer.  Or put a piano bench with a vinyl top upside down on the piano.  Vinyl will soften and bubble a lacquer finish.

No solvents used on plastic piano keys, including Goof-Off and similar.

No furniture polish on polyester finish.  Only use proper polishes on polyester.

Never do any work above the piano even with padding.  If they have to reposition lights, etc., always move the piano. 

A piano lid is not a workbench or desk.  Always pad the surface.

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!

UNPLUG Damp Chasers before moving the piano. We had someone move a Grand Piano with the power cord plugged in and it tore the cord out of the humidistat. Same hold true of piano lights- unplug them and remove lights from the music racks. Tape down wires or extension cords to prevent tripping. Move mics and mic stands . music stands away from pianos before moves

Paul, nothing like going into a high school to tune their Steinway and find foot prints and paint splatters from students standing on it to paint sets.

Don't leave a vinyl cover on the surface of the piano if it's lacquer.  Or put a piano bench with a vinyl top upside down on the piano.  Vinyl will soften and bubble a lacquer finish.

No solvents used on plastic piano keys, including Goof-Off and similar.

No furniture polish on polyester finish.  Only use proper polishes on polyester.

Never do any work above the piano even with padding.  If they have to reposition lights, etc., always move the piano. 

A piano lid is not a workbench or desk.  Always pad the surface.

Hi gang,

I'm meeting with the stage crew to train them on how to handle pianos. So far I have the following list of topics, and would appreciate any further suggestions, no matter how specific or general.

Piano moving around stage

Wheels (and brakes) vs stage trucks

The Pianomover

Food and drink

Adhesives/gaffer tape

Stuff on top of or near the piano

Piano lid, music desk

Thanks!