The college where I work has a small Chickering (By Baldwin) baby grand that doesn’t have a lock set on it (that I can tell). I have been asked to help figure out a way to keep it locked while not being “officially played”.

Can someone suggest a kit or some other hardware retrofit that can be installed in order to keep the lid and fallboard locked when not in use? Also, where is the best place to purchase a “cover” for it?

Thanks in advance!

Rick

There are a couple of ways to go. One is a fallboard lock, which is a big u-shaped hasp which locks to a piece which screws to the bottom of the keybed and goes from there over the fallboard. (Do not screw it in the middle of the keyboard, as it will be in the way.) The other option, and you might want to consider both, is a cover with rings and straps which can be locked.

These can be ordered from supply houses.

Thanks, BDB!

Rick

Make sure there are plenty of extra keys for those who need access - I've had to run out to the University to unlock a piano on an emergency basis more than once! We have piano covers with straps. The covers keep the piano cleaner and help tuning stability. The downside is that crawling under the piano to lock or unlock straps is less than a graceful event. In other words, never moon the audience!