old piano disposal

[Mike Kurta]

    Hello GP:
    Yes, disassembling an old piano is a viable solution.  Begin by 
unscrewing and taking apart as many wooden case parts as you can.  Top and 
bottom front panels, the key cover, the strip of wood in front of the keys, 
the lid, etc.  Then remove the playing mechanism (we call the action) from 
the inside of the piano.  You will see 3 or 4 threaded knobs across the top 
of the action.  Remove these, then pull the action brackets off the threaded 
bolts and lift the whole action assembly out of the piano.
    You should then be able to remove all the keys, if there is a lot of 
dust and dirt inside, you may want to use a face mask of some sort.  To 
render the piano harmless, you should cut and remove the strings, one at a 
time, using eye protection, gloves, and a sharp pair of wire cutters.  At 
this point, you should lay the piano on its back.  Time for the sledge 
hammer and crowbar.  The sides of the piano will be the next to come apart, 
the horizontal shelf the keys were sitting on, and the surrounding 
framework.
    At this point, the heavy cast iron frame (plate) and soundboard will 
still be attached to the back frame of the instrument.  You will see heavy 
screws and/or bolts holding the plate to the back frame.  These will have to 
be removed, the plate lifted off the wooden frame, and broken into smaller 
pieces by hammer, again taking the appropriate safety precautions.  You can 
then finish the job by hammering and prying apart the remaining posts and 
frame pieces.  These are usually good quality hardwood and might be used in 
a later project.  It would be best to have another person to assist you in 
this whole project.
SAFETY FIRST should be your watchword.
    This is a general guide and I'm sure will be added to by others on this 
forum.  Good Luck.
    Mike Kurta, RPT
    Syracuse chapter