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Hi all,...

I was going through the pictures and posts on the 2008 M&H tour thread when this question popped up on my mind,... I wonder if anybody ever asked about this during this year's or past year's tour.

As far as I understand,... the differences between the Traditional and Monticello M&H models are basically the legs and music desk.

I have the Traditional M&H A,... I wonder if it's possible to purchase a "Monticello Accessories Pack" which includes the 3 legs and Music Desk,... So,... when we're in a Monticello mood or if we're planning to host a victorian style ball we can have our tech put the Monticello pack on,... and when we're in a Traditional mood we can have our tech put the original back

If yes,... I wonder how much a Polished Ebony one costs,...

I also wonder how many people would be interested in something like this,... Im guessing not many because otherwise we'll already see many piano manufacturers and maybe cabinet makers offering various piano accessories packs

Regards,

Robert

Robert,

Do you have a couple of gorillas hanging around to replace those legs as your moods swing back and forth from being a "traditional" guy to a "Monticello" guy?

Regards,

Your Soul Brother

Changing the legs on a grand piano is not something a tech would get involved with, at least not THIS tech. That is better left to several piano movers.

Given the weight and value of a Mason, the idea of switching out the legs and lyre periodically purely for aesthetic reasons makes me want to hide behind some large piece of furniture (not the piano, you could see me too easily). I was delighted when my piano was delivered, re-lyred and re-legged without mishap--I would never engage in such activity without some very very good reason for doing so. Actually, the only reason I can thing of would be if I were moving to a new house or apartment.

I'd contact M&H thru their website. I think it would be an easy adaptation, not requiring a mover. You need to know "the technique".

Hi guys,...

Ok,... movers then,... on second thought,... Can't you just use a jack to lift and lower the piano gently and replace the legs one by one kind of like changing tires?

Darn,... Good catch RPA,... I forgot about the lyre,... that will probably complicate things a bit,...

I'm not thinking about doing this often,... maybe once or twice a year at most

It's kind of a crazy thought I know,... but hey,... with today's young generation and how quickly the seem to be replacing their gadgets,... maybe if the manufacturers can market it and make it cool to do so they can make more money from selling accessories than selling piano

Can you imagine?,... "Those '06 Monticello legs on your Mason are 'tight',... but you've got to check out these '09 Chopin legs,... they're 'da bomb' you've got to get them"

Regards,

Robert

Yes, a jack will work and the entire operation can be done in less than 15 minutes.

Steve is correct. It isn't complicated, but make a mistake... and you'll pay!!

(Better to fly Steve in - he'll do it for you)

If the legs are held on with leg plates, it may not be as simple as merely switching them. They would have to be fitted.

I took the legs of my old Baldwin--nothing to it. A car jack to jack up the piano, and a modified, reinforced saw horse to hold up each corner while I fiddled with the legs.

People obsess about the weight of grands, but they're really not THAT heavy. Hey, a skinny kitchen chair will hold up a 250+ lb person, and each corner of a A isn't too much more than that--maybe 300 lbs?.

Rich, thanks for the referral.

I don't do the labor anymore, but I'd be willing to consult!

Hi guys,...

Steve,... I've sent an e-mail out to Cecil,... hopefully he's not travelling and he can find some time to answer an odd question

Rich,... I think leaving it to the pro is a good idea,... but I've got Heritage insurance so it may make me feel a bit more adventurous,... Maybe I can set up a live webcast so Steve can provide on-line consultation

BDB,... Here's the picture that started this thread,... there's a circular plate thingy and a cylindrical shaped screw,... I'm not sure if these are the plates that you're referring to.



I don't see serial numbers on the legs so I assumed that they are interchangeable,...

Roy123,... why did you took off your Baldwin's legs and fiddled with them?

Regards,

Robert

I think it is a neat idea. It probably would cost more than I'd be willing to pay, but I like it!

The "accessory pack" will also have to include a matching bench.

It was a bit wobbly on its legs, which required some repair and rework.