Okay, heres one you dont hear everyday. I hope someone can help with this.
I have recently come upon an old upright piano that I will be using in my next music video. We need to make the piano lightweight, so we can transport it very easily around sets. I am planning on gutting out the piano, but I am wondering once I take out the heavy insides, how can I manage to keep all the keys as to where they look playable, and the artist can play them (they go up and down upon response). We do not need this to play music, as the artist will be playing to a recording and we will not hear the piano at all. I just need to make the piano look like it really works when I film close ups of her playing. I do not have time to film all the close ups before we gut this thing. I have to have this thing as light weight as possible before shooting.
Anyone have any suggestions on the best thing to do?
I do not know any details about the piano other than the previous owner said its antique, very heavy, and its 58 inches tall. Its made by Cohen & Hughes. (The ones where the front piece opens out towards you). Thanks.

Since no one else responded I will suggest you look into "key tensioners", balance rail pins with an adjustable spring that bears on the top of the key.

Tom

You can add a set of lead weights to each key. they are available from piano suppy houses