LATEST UPDATE OF THIS PAGE: 10/23/06

Current Projects

 

6' Schiller Grand #82753

Mahogany cabinet. Built in 1930. Restored by Ray’s Piano Service, 2002 and 2006


IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETED IN 2002:

Recondition Action—Clean, reshape hammers, tighten all screws, replace defective parts.

Complete Regulation—Make adjustments to ensure that piano plays like new: key height, key leveling, hammer blow distance, lost motion, letoff,  keydip, sustain, dampers. Tune to A-440

Refinish--Dismantle cabinet. Repair cabinet where needed. Strip and sand. Apply mahogany stain and sealer. Apply clear lacquer. Install new rubber buttons, nameboard felt, and fallboard decal. Reassemble.

Other--Provide adjustable leather-covered Artist Bench.
IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETED IN 2006:

Install New Hammers—Install new hammers and hammer shanks.

Complete Regulation, Tuning—Make adjustments to ensure that piano plays like new: key height, key leveling, hammer blow distance, lost motion, letoff, keydip, sustain, dampers. Tune to A-440.

 

SCHEDULE:

Purchased and picked up from Seattle, WA : May 2002

Restoration completed: July 2002

Sold and delivered to buyer in Lynden, WA: October 2002

New hammers & shanks installed: October 23, 2006

 

1930 Schiller Grand -- Refinished in 2002

 

1930 Schiller Grand -- Side view

 

Pictures of the improvement process
 Improvements completed in 2006

 

1 – We removed the original hammers and shanks, replacing them with a new set of hammers and shanks. We removed the hammer action, and checked key heights and leveling.

2 – We As we began the regulating process, we discovered that the regulating buttons were too thin, so we glued a circle of felt on each one.

 

3 – With the action on our workbench and a string-height gauge positioned over the hammers, we regulated the capstans, letoff, drop, key dip, and back checks. Then we returned the action to the piano, completed a "fine-regulation" process, and tuned the piano. With this improvement, the piano tone is richer and more even. Also, with new knuckles the touch is light and consistent across the keyboard.