John Spradley reminded me of some ideas about anchoring pianos for
earthquakes.  I've given this a lot of thought, living in Southern
California.  In the Big Bear quake I remember standing and swaying,
holding a china cabinet from falling over.

I think there are a few simple steps to keep a piano safe.  At San
Sylmar, they use large "kickboards" built into the floor and big enough
to hold the corners of the orchestrions at the bottom of the case.

I think a strong and less visible method is to anchor the piano at
the back bottom, where all the weight is, and use chain or wire cable
connected to the floor or bottom of the wall.  Cap screws work good to
connect the chain to the bottom of the frame and to the wall or to the
floor using an anchor bolt.  The piano should be able to move a little
but not enough to tip or hit the wall.

Of course, ultimately it should be anchored in four places, or two in
strategic places.  With a strong clip at the end of the chain or cable,
the piano can be moved when desired.  I know collectors cringe at
anything screwed to their piano that wasn't there in the first place,
but it's better than hearing your piano hit the floor and the plate
crack.

Another consideration is an object that could fly off a table and
into the beautiful stained glass.  These can be wired or anchored in
a simple way to keep them put.  At Hearst Castle, the building itself
will probably last for a thousand years, but the valuable art pieces
are not anchored like they should be.

I know it's not possible to be 100% earthquake-proof, but I really
believe in preventing damage as much as possible.  Doesn't everybody
want to move to California?

Brian Smith