Stubborn Backchecks

[Mike Spalding]

Rob,

Are you removing the wires from the keys, or the backchecks from the 
wires?  If the latter, just use your wire cutters to split the old 
backchecks.  If the former, see attached photo.  Keep working your way 
up the wedge as the wire comes out.  The slot in the wedge is just wide 
enough for the wire - so the wedge supports the little block on the key 
and keeps it from splitting / separating from the key.  If the backcheck 
comes off the wire, just clamp a vise-grip on the wire and keep on prying.

hope this helps

Mike

Rob & Helen Goodale wrote:
> Hello all,
>  
> I have a relatively new Steinway B that requires new back checks.  As 
> far as I'm concerned the old ones are fine.  Someone told the pianist 
> that "they are noisy and need replacement" and now he is convinced 
> they are.  He never mentioned a thing until he was told this.  The 
> power of suggestion can move mountains.
>  
> Anyway my typical procedure for removing back checks that I have been 
> using for years is working them out with a pair of wire cutters 
> gripping the sides with a small block of wood below.  These, however, 
> are exceptionally stubborn.  After much frustration I tried using an 
> upright hammer shank extractor.  That worked well but it took an 
> enormous amount of time.  It could take over a half day to get all of 
> them out at this rate!
>  
> Any suggestions to speed this up appreciated.
>  
> Rob Goodale, RPT
> Las Vegas, NV
>  
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