Steinway M End Blocks stuck, adjustment screw in treble end block, help!

[mainesongwriter]

Thank you for your advice! In middle of songwriting project. Dropped pen behind fall board. Removed screws under end blocks (1920's Steinway M Grand). Removed key slip. End blocks won't budge! Also, there is an adjustment screw in the right (treble end) end block. I would be grateful to know what this adjustment screw is (seems to raise/lower keys?).

Are the end blocks possibly stuck because of age or stain? Also, do I remove the adjustment screw in the right end block in order to remove fall board. Thanks so much for your help!

[silverwoodpianos]

Remove front key slip carefully. Remove screws underneath key bed that hold key blocks in place.
Place both hands on the curve at the top of the open fallboard. Lift slowly and the fall board will come out with the key blocks as they have a set pin that enters the side frame of the fallboard.

To replace: set the fall board on the floor insert a block in each side…carefully, and I mean carefully, lift the whole thing up right in front of the piano so that when the blocks clear the key bed they slide into where they were originally..... or have another person help keep the blocks in place as you raise the whole unit.

Oh and don’t forget to remove the pens and pencils you find in there.

Do not touch the adjustment screw any more. Set it back where you found it.

[mainesongwriter]

Thanks so much for your reply. I've removed the screws (one large screw under each side, correct?) under the end blocks. Lifting on the fall board, everything still seems "stuck". Is it possible stain is acting like glue? Is there a safe way to "free up" the end blocks?

Also, does the adjustment screw come out along with the end blocks easily (i.e., does the adjustment screw remain in the right-side end block upon removal?). Your advice is greatly appreciated.

[ionian_tinnear]

If you thinks it tricky to get, just wait until you put it back!

The adjustment screw comes out with the end block, and as Dan says, don't adjust that screw!

If the blocks are stuck from stain-like glue, you might pop them loose by lightly tapping on the blocks with something that won't dent the blocks.  I've seen the action making end blocks hard to get out, but if the blocks don't move at all, that's not likely an issue.

1920's Model M, what year specifically?  I have a 1924..

[silverwoodpianos]

Underneath the front edge of the block slide a butter knife or a flat blade screwdriver. Then lift up. This should free the block, as long as you took out the correct screws underneath……

 Don’t worry if you mark the front edge of the block because it is hidden by the slip rail…..

Sometimes they can be frozen in place from not moving for years….you might have to tap the blade underneath the block…..

The other way is to hold the fallboard at an 45° angle over the keys and pull upwards…slowly……and gently because it could move suddenly….

Pull up from both ends using both hands, arms outstretched…5 ft is a long stretch….

[mainesongwriter]

Thank you all so much for your advice. I must confess, I did turn the adjustment screw, thinking (without thinking!) it served to hold the end block in place. I will try the butter knife, with gentle tapping under the end blocks. I'm writing songs about birds, a project for children's choruses. Must remember, as I work, to be on alert for additional "bird-brained" maneuvers, like dropping pens behind the fallboard. Serial #: 242580