[pianotech] Fixing flexy stage dolly

[Mark Schecter]

The stage hands tried turning the wheels yesterday, or so they thought, 
but it wasn't solid enough for this pianist. But I don't know for sure 
exactly how they did it, because by the time I got there for touchup 
just before doors, they had wedged the dolly and he was happy. I don't 
fault the player at all, because I have felt the movement and I 
understand it could be troubling for some players. In fact, I appreciate 
his input, as this solution that I will implement will benefit 
everybody, even though many won't know it.

My thanks to you and others who have contributed to this thread, as I 
now have a better idea than I started with, and that is a wonderful 
thing. Thanks!

~Mark Schecter

On 1/28/13 7:23 PM, Norman Cantrell wrote:
> Mark
>
> I have had good luck over the years dealing with trucks without brakes
> by simply positioning the piano on the stage and then kicking each of
> the three casters in the same direction as each of the three arms of the
> truck.  Position them so the wheel is swiveled toward the center of the
> dolly and because they are all facing a different direction the piano
> stays put.
>
> Joe I do not have a picture of the unit installed and I am no longer on
> contract with the particular university where I installed this unit.  It
> is still on the piano as I occasionally attend performances there.
>   Because it is painted black and made of fairly thin pipe it fades into
> the background fairly easily and is not a distraction.  The reason for
> designing it in the first place was to help the truck roll easily as the
> casters were so canted they did not swivel easily and the piano was very
> difficult to steer and turn.
>
> Norman Cantrell
>
> --- On *Mon, 1/28/13, Mark Schecter /<mark at schecterpiano.com>/* wrote:
>
>
>     From: Mark Schecter <mark at schecterpiano.com>
>     Subject: Re: [pianotech] Fixing flexy stage dolly
>     To: "pianotech at ptg.org" <pianotech at ptg.org>
>     Cc: "pianotech at ptg.org" <pianotech at ptg.org>
>     Date: Monday, January 28, 2013, 7:45 PM
>
>     Thanks for pointing that out, Jon. We actually did that last night,
>     but I'm looking to cure the problem so the incognoscenti can just
>     position (and reposition) the piano without tools or knowledge.
>     Mongo casters with brakes would work too, but they're concerned
>     about their new floor being damaged, hence rubber wheels. Do still
>     need brakes, though.
>
>     ~Mark Schecter
>
>     On Jan 28, 2013, at 5:27 PM, Jon Page <jonpage at comcast.net
>     </mc/compose?to=jonpage at comcast.net>> wrote:
>
>      > I hate to point out the obvious. Place a wooden wedge under the
>     truck arm under the leg.  Stabilized.
>      >
>      > I have two of these when installing or removing a truck to place
>     under the front legs so the rear arm of the truck does not rise. I
>     call them ' Truck Stops'.
>      >
>      > --
>      > Regards,
>      >
>      > Jon Page
>      >
>      >
>