Does anyone have a source for double rubber caster that will fit into sockets on a large Steinway grand? To clarify, the modern Steinway casters for D and B (and maybe other models as well - I haven't checked) have rather thick and short stems compared to those readily available. And the sockets are recessed fairly deeply into the wood. Hence, adapting readily available double rubbers is a big can of worms, and probably not a good idea. Why do I want such a thing? For your amusement and edification (of the "Now I've heard everything" variety), there is a pretty fancy music store here (not selling pianos) that has a small recital hall attached. The stage is maple, finished natural. Brass casters cause dents. Hence, the owner has the Steinway B sitting on 5 - 6 in caster cups, and when the piano needs to be moved, has three or four employees more or less lift and drag the piano, dragging the caster cups along. This has been going on for a few years. Apparently they are allergic to spider dollies for aesthetic reasons. I am not their regular tech, but occasionally tune there for someone who is renting the space. Each time I have admonished them that they are maybe, just maybe looking for trouble. So finally the owner thought double rubbers might be okay. If I can't find such a thing, maybe I can sell him on those round cradle affairs for individual legs with outlying rubber casters. Regards, Fred Sturm University of New Mexico
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