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I have a grand piano that has been fully restored and not much played since that. Im very satisfied with the action an dynamics of the instrument. Now there is another grand piano, same brand same year, almost for free. It is great to play on, not really in the class of my restored but ok. The hammers are in good condition. My question is, could it be possible that this action could fit in my piano? Its the same model and year... I think of having it there for practice to "save" the restored one....or is this a stupid idea?

It's not a stupid idea, but you probably do need to have a good reason not to use the fresh new action. What are you saving it for? A good answer to that question will help you make a decision.

As for interchangeability of actions between piano: At least some brands of quality pianos have custom-set action height, due to the variability of string height that arises from the fact that as plates are cast, they do not all end up with the same dimensions. A knowledgeable technician can adjust the dimensions of the keyframe to duplicate the action height of the original, so this is not necessarily a significant barrier.

If you get the second action, you have the option to have the actions intentionally voiced and regulated differently, say a "Mozart" action and a "Brahms" action.
Cheaper than having two pianos.

I have some "good clothes" in my closet, being "saved" for special occasions. They're dusty, and they don't fit any more -- but they're in great condition!

This thread describes a Steingraeber for sale with two actions, each voiced differently.

Greetings,
Some years ago, I came into possession of a burned Steinway O, 1915. The action was frozen, but upon measuring, it was remarkably close to the action in a 1918 model O I owned. So, I used a set of parts out of a restoration I was doing and built a second action for my piano. It only required a .040" lift under the stack, the same under the back rail cloth, and a 1/8" spacer on the left side of the keyframe to fit right in. When changing, I did have to reset the pedal rods, but that was all. It played as well as the original, and the two actions were weighed off and voiced a bit differently. Never did find a buyer for it, but still have the keyframe, keys (ivory) and action rails.

Well it sounds like it could be worth giving a try. What am i saving it for? I dont really know But like i said i really like how its regulated and how it behaves under my fingers, and i want it to last that way..but off course it will need service someday. But there is another angle to it. (like someone said in the thread) Im sure the piano will sound different with another action, probably most because of the hammers. I play different styles and this could be a way to have two different sounds in one piano.

A local university bought a Steinway D with 2 actions a few years ago. One is softer, supposedly to play chamber music, but I gotta say I've never liked it. Sounds like it was stuffed with wet socks. I'm not convinced it was worth the $25 extra. Of course, it probably depends on the preferences of whoever voices it. Part of me thinks they'd have been better off with just a smaller grand.

Presume this is a typo.

$25k sounds more likely

Peter Grey Piano Doctor

I find it highly unlikely that the OP will be able to just swap actions on that piano. It's quite rare (except maybe on a Yamaha) to be able to do that.

Peter Grey Piano Doctor