Cutting piano strings

wavehopper1

I want to disassemble an old upright piano that gave up the ghost years ago. I'm looking to have someone cut the strings safely - then I can disassemble the rest and maybe reuse the wood.

Looking for opinions - do I need to hire a specialist piano tuner? I am reluctant just to get a local handyman adverts.ie - I'm concerned about eye injuries etc, unnecessarily so?

Skyb

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wavehopper1

Thanks for the info, sounds like good advice and may also be useful for future googlers :cool:

Sandwlch

Promts me for a slightly related question.

I want to replace some key ivory tops that are chipped on an old piano. Guessing you cannot buy new ivory these days. Do the ivories from one piano fit all ? Where could I find some - a piano scrappage yard ? (Im talking genuine ivory here not plastic replacments)

wavehopper1

Well...spent about three hours dismantling the front part of the piano - there were about a gazillion screws attaching the keys etc. Interesting to see how it all fitted together.

Still left with the strings firmly attached and tautly wound. I couldn't turn the tuning pins with a pliers, I'll have to borrow a vice grip and see if I have the strength - they seem very unyielding.

Skyb

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Sandwlch

Thank v much for the advice skyb. I will try and locate some and give it a go. Piano is an old baby grand and not really worth anything but I like to tinker with it.