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The organ console likely weighs about the same. Presumably the piano was positioned where it was because that is the acoustic sweet spot on the stage. But unless there were architectural restraints (e.g. limitations on where conduits for control cables can be run) it was a blunder to put the retractable console in the same place. Organists are very used to not being able to hear themselves play as the audience would, due to delays, the swell or choir ranks being enclosed, but the great not, etc. etc.; so having the console on the side of the stage should not have been problematic. You would have thought that a venue with a retractable console on the stage like that would either have a cast iron rule that nothing goes on top of it, or a rigid protocol for when it does (e.g. two switches must be operated to raise it, both far enough apart that two people are needed, with both verifying that top of the retracted console is clear before proceeding).
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Originally posted by Marcel Birgelen View PostKnowing that a grand piano weights in about half a metric ton, that's a pretty daring operation...
Just hope he didn't damage the piano too badly. A basic black Steinway-D will cost at least $125K to replace, these days. Apparently, from what I was able to translate from the comments page, this was supposed to be some kind of historic piano. The damage is probably repairable but it won't be cheap!
I find that organ lift a bit odd, too. Every motorized lift, hoist or similar stage equipment that I've ever used required the operator to keep the control button depressed. Some of them even had a second button for a deadman switch.
I think it's dangerous to have a lift like that which can't be stopped at a moment's notice and reversed if necessary. Even in a concert hall, as opposed to a legitimate stage, it would be easy for a person to get a hand or foot stuck in the mechanism, accidentally. Some of the concerts I worked, a lot of people walked around with their heads in the clouds, not paying attention to things going on around them. (Hey, they are musicians, they've got other things to think about.)
Regardless, when you're working on a stage, operating any kind of equipment, motorized or otherwise, it's the operator's duty to always look to be sure the area is safe before pressing any button, pulling any lever or hauling on any rope!Last edited by Randy Stankey; 04-23-2023, 04:33 PM.
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I first saw those in the Western States about ten years ago. Mostly on similar trucks as in your video, but also on larger construction vehicles... The weather can be very flakey at certain altitudes and ice can develop at a fast rate. I never talked to anyone that has driven with them, but it is sure seems like a good safety addition...
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