Douglas Laing of Magnum Opus Piano Works, Safety Harbor, Florida completed his Bachelors degree in Music History and Musicology at the University of Michigan in 1986 and has had extensive training in Piano Technology. He rebuilt a 1910 Henry Miller upright and of course it had to have stickers. See how he overcame the obstacles.
Ferdinand Pointer of The Piano Company, Clearwater, Florida. Ferd has been a piano technician since 1972 and an RPT since 1975.Ferdinand is always the “teacher” and assisted Douglas with this upright.
This 1910 Henry Miller in original condition, presented rebuilding challenges. [Old hammers and dampers]
One challenge was cleaning over a century of dirt and grime. [Dirty key frame]
With the key frame removed all the fun begins… [Key frame removed]
WNG offers upright rental tools which helps installing the new action so much easier. [Using and placing the WNG Vertical Tools]
[Aligning action]
[Jigs removed and support blocks in place]
[Getting ready to install dampers]
WNG Vertical Installtion Tools Rental Includes:
- V-bar, 72-88 strike gauge
- Hammer 5 degree rake angle gauge
- Set of 5 hammer tilt gauges
- Dowel capstan inserter
- Dowel capstan wire bender
- Hammer Jig – Bass
- Hammer Jig – Treble
- Bass damper dowel locator
- Treble damper dowel locator
- Sustain rod block
- Rail support block – bass
- Rail support block – treble
- Action Locating jig – (2 each)
- Shanking jig
- Shank trimming jig
The action bolt on this piano had to be raised about 1.25″ and Douglas drilled through the place. [Bending damper wires and cutting]
Note the severe angle of the dampers. [Bass dampers in place]
[All dampers installed]
Prepping the keys for the added extension blocks. [Flattening back of key sticks]
Conversion of old sticker action to dowel capstan action. [Blocks glued and installed to raise dowel capstan]
Hammers are WNG Premium Select Gross 4 and are special-made for vertical pianos. [Hanging hammers]
Douglas’ customer is very happy with her cherished 1910 Henry Miller Piano! [Ready to regulate]