>Susan, these are neither the dangerous S&S or Schaff versions, nor the >"stick on a rope" that Spurlock sells. I used, or tried to use each of the >former a couple times. They did not end up in the back of a drawer, rather >in the big round file at the end of the workbench. Now that's interesting. I carry a version of the S&S prop that I made myself, and haven't really had any problem (with) to speak of (Is it just me, or is this language an abysmally poor excuse for a communication medium?). I do have a real live S&S produced prop, but mine seems to work better so the "real" one lives in a drawer in one of my work benches. I suppose I'll pitch it when my drawer fills up and I need the room... but, then again, It has the name Steinway on it, so maybe it's worth something by associative mystique if nothing else. Perhaps I'll take bids. The trick with this type of prop is that you have to point the "tongue" toward the wall when the hinge mount positioning allows it, instead of pointing it at the floor, or the prop will walk out while you're trolling the piano around the living room with your tuning hammer and slam the lid down on your formerly relatively undamaged person. The Baldwins with the 37 lb. top/front/guillotine seem to be the worst offenders here, but there are certainly other contenders of note. I've got a few of the (nominally) 3/4"x1 1/2"x5" stick with the strap loop and dowel whatchacallit (also shop made) that are realistically somewhat more secure than what I carry, but it requires more of a battle to but them in, so I go with the quick and easy. I haven't been slammed yet, but my reflexes got tested once before I learned to point the tongue to the wall. Adrenalin is a wonderful thing. Ron N
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