Dismantle a Piano
17.02.25 A purple piano past its play-by date from the pick-and-mix shipping container at Besbrodes Pianos in Leeds turned out, when we started dismantling it, to be full of hay and soft, downy, white fur. Flora the dog was very interested to know, as are we, what it was that was nesting inside. Other treasure in this piano under the keys: 100 year old unused concert tickets for the Lener String Quartet at the Usher Hall.
17.02.25 Mike came over from Dalkeith to find piano parts to turn on his lathe and had the bright idea of using the grand legs left over from our Pavilion Cafe ‘Grand Stage’ as very handsome lamp stands. If you would like to buy this lamp contact Mike via his Watercress Woodcrafts website here.
06.05.24 Here are Anthea, Ant and Dave outside the Pianodrome warehouse in Granton stripping down an old upright to make a keyboard cupboard. You can read Anthea’s lovely blog post about the project here.
Free workshop every Wednesday, 4-8pm
Pianodrome Warehouse Granton
Come along to our warehouse in Granton where we have been pulling apart pianos that are past their play-by-date for almost a decade. It’s a great way to get to know our project, our team and the inner workings of a piano.
Our workshops are free, all materials and tools are provided as well as guidance from our seasoned piano dismantlers. No previous experience is necessary and there are a range of tasks to suit all comers; unwinding strings, unscrewing the intricate parts of the piano actions, pulling out the heavy cast iron harps, gleaning the beautifully veneered panels. Kids please bring your favourite adult with. Kids please bring your favourite adult with.
The process of dismantling a piano unlocks a wealth of materials and inspiration. Our Pianodrome Amphitheatre and all of our other sculptural constructions are directly derived from this process.
You are welcome to take away with you any piano parts you dismantle for your own upcycling projects. Alternatively, you can arrange to return for further Adapt a Piano sessions where our makers can take you step by step through the design/build process to make your own piece of piano sculpture or furniture.
Our free dismantling workshops run every Wednesday from 4 til 8pm at the Pianodrome Warehouse Workshop in Granton. No need to book - just turn up. Please dress up warmly in clothes you are comfortable to work in.
For a taster follow this link to our series of short films on How to Dismantle a Piano
If you have any questions please email info@pianodrome.org