need ideas (more)

[Jon Page]

I think that a dolly would appear less'rigged' that the addition of wooden 
rails.

The dollies are only about $150.

Jon Page

At 10:54 PM 04/09/2001 -0500, you wrote:
>Susan, Mark, Greg, Jon, Newton, CAUT,
>
>Some additional info:
>
>These particular pianos roll quite easily with the existing casters, though
>the idea of using a different dolly system would change the potential
>'racking' (assuming this means twisting?) by the different location of the
>wheels.
>
>However, it just so happens there is a 1971 U1 in a classroom across the
>hall that has been here since new and one I don't ever recall having this
>type problem.
>
>So, I decided to compare the structure of it against a 1998 U1 that does
>exhibit this problem.  I came up with some interesting dimensional numbers
>plus a potential cure for this tuning instability as a result of doing this.
>
>Here's what I found:
>
>1) The five back posts are not the same.
>         1971 U1  3  9/16" D x 2  5/8" W
>         1998 U1  2  9/16" D x 2  5/8" W
>
>2) The handhold devices in the rear for moving the piano are married
>(joined) to the 2nd back post inward from the left and right back post on
>the 1971 U1.  On the 1998 U1 that does not occur.
>
>3) The 1998 U1 has what I guess is called a full perimeter plate.  The 1971
>U1 does not.
>
>4) The cabinet sides, front to back are 7/8" longer on the 1971 U1 and are
>thicker by 1/8" more.
>
>5) The feet of the 1971 U1 are 3/8" wider.
>
>By my measurements, observations and extrapolating, there is definitely
>less wood in the back posts, and feet, plus less support between the back
>posts due to the different handles.  Maybe the full perimeter was an idea
>that would compensate for this less wood, maybe not.
>
>Anyhow, here's the potential cure which I am going to implement upon
>approval from the Piano Chair.  I have used this following idea for sagging
>shelves that had no support, so my thinking says why not for back posts
>that have no support between themselves.
>
>I'm going to take three pieces of hard rock maple 1' x 4" x 57 1/4", locate
>them evenly spaced from top to bottom and join the five back posts
>together.  I feel confident this will make a remarkable change in the
>stability.
>
>Still open to any other constructive ideas that someone might have, or ones
>that someone has possibly implemented and had success.
>
>Thank you all for being a sounding board  :-)
>
>It is greatly appreciated!
>
>Keith McGavern, RPT
>Oklahoma Baptist University
>Saint Gregory's University
>Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA