Hi All,  Damon wants to know which casters are the all-around best ones
for player pianos.  In my opinion, the Darnell double ball bearing,
double wheel casters (No. 592) are the best choice.  Here's why.

First and foremost, they will not damage any floor.  They won't scratch
or mar marble or tile floors.

Second, they work so well that even a small woman who can't move a
lazy-boy recliner can pull the piano away from the wall (on a hardwood
floor) with only one hand.  (I'm talking about a full size player
upright.)

Third, as compared to other similar casters (except the original cast
iron type) very little work is required to install them.

Now, I won't mislead anyone.  Fitting these casters into the piano does
require more than a screwdriver.  The caster cup is a bit bigger than
the normal cast iron cup (or socket).  So, some woodwork is required.
You'll need a drill, some bits, and in some cases, a good chisel.

Secondly, the casters are 'taller' than the original cast iron casters
by 1/2" (normally).  The only problem this presents is in a situation
where the connecting rods to the player pedal assembly initially rest
quite close to the kick board.  Raising the piano 1/2" will reduce the
clearance and may necessitate the use of taller rubber cups to keep the
rods from contacting (and thus damaging) the kick board.

Also, raising the piano 1/2" will mean that you have to raise your feet
a bit to operate the piano pedals (sustain, bass sustain, and soft).
However, none of my customers have ever complained about the increased
height and getting use to it is quite easy.

Schaff also sells a less expensive version of the Darnell casters with
twin Rubberex wheels (No. 1592 -- same height).  For the money, they
are a good caster, but they have a harder rubber compound and they
don't seem to swivel as smoothly or as easily as the Darnell casters.

Musically Opinionated,

John A Tuttle
Player-Care.com
Brick, NJ, USA