Ragtime Piano Pedal Mod

The Beatles used a piano called the Mrs. Mills piano that had that tinny sound. I've had this small upright piano for a while and I've always wanted to add a pedal to give it that similar ragtime/honky tonk/tack piano sound. In the biz, it's called a "mandolin rail" and it's a pretty simple modification that gives a really unique sound to the instrument.
If you haven't heard of the Mrs. Mills piano, it's named after Gladys Mills who was an English musician who favored that piano for her sing-along recordings at Abbey Road Studios. The Beatles used this piano to great effect in a few of their songs ("Lady Madonna", "Penny Lane" and "Rocky Raccoon" to name a few). The "Mrs. Mills" sound is due to lacquered hammers, which is a pretty permanent (and destructive) way to achieve a similar result, this pedal modification allows you to get the honky tonk sound on the fly. This is really just a prototype, I'd like to make the entire mechanism out of a steel bar so that it's more permanent, but even as it is, it works perfectly. I really like that you can lower the pedal slowly and stop incrementally to dial in the brightness of the sound. Adding the notch for the pedal to lock in is really useful so that both feet are free to operate the other two pedals.
Songs played in this video:
7:58 🎵"Lady Madonna" excerpt - The Beatles 🎵
8:19 🎵"The Entertainer" excerpt - Scott Joplin 🎵
8:57 🎵"Leibestraum No. 3" excerpt - Franz Liszt 🎵
10:02 🎵"Last Date" - Floyd Cramer 🎵
More demo of the piano being played:
• HonkyTonk Piano Demo
The metal clips can be found here:
www.ebay.com/itm/291681866781
And a full kit can be found here:
www.ebay.com/itm/293215719289
► Enable closed captions for commentary
► GIF image gallery of the build here:
imgur.com/a/xmS87UD
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► INSTAGRAM: / measuredworkshop

[@haydengardiner2394]

It’s crazy how engaging a video can be when the person in it never even says a word

[@karencordoba6543]

It really is

[@grenks6387]

A technique, developed around the 1920's as view tricks

[@JackPeach-Animation]

True, like porn

[@matthewherron9472]

You can turn on subtitles to see what he is doing while not hearing a word

[@cala4899]

Did you hear the lady Madonna Melody too? 🥰

[@pyro1324]

Could be interesting to split the bar between the bass and treble so you can get brighter treble while keeping the bass soft.

[@MeasuredWorkshop]

Yeah absolutely, I was thinking about that, maybe have a half pedal press engage the treble portion, then a full press would catch the bass section and engage it.

[@pyro1324]

@@MeasuredWorkshop If you want to go completely crazy with the piano you could also add a harmonic pedal which raises all the dampers, letting all the natural resonances ring out.

[@jaromirdobry8350]

Which is actually how the sustain pedal works ;-)

[@liamscott8761]

@@MeasuredWorkshop Or two pedals (left side and right side) each controlling half of the arm?

[@silas123781]

@@jaromirdobry8350 slightly different - a harmonic pedal will damp the string when a key is released, so the string itself doesn't ring, but all the other strings that resonate sympathetically with the played note do. It's more of a reverb effect and less of a sustain.

[@matthewgilbie4087]

This is basically a harpsichord simulator, but you can play dynamics... Pretty cool!

[@pileofstuff]

That's what I was hearing, especially during the Liszt piece.

[@Ekvitarius]

No no no a thousand times no. This sounds NOTHING like a harpsichord. This is what a harpsichord sounds like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j33CaGppgpJ9pc0

[@rcz2439]

@@Ekvitarius Exactly. It works different and it sounds different...

[@Ekvitarius]

R Cz yeah a harpsichord sounds like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j33CaGppgpJ9pc0

[@gulgul2006]

100% DEAD wrong. This is a mandolin effect commonly referred to as TIN LIZZY (guessing a spawning point for the band named THIN lizzy) because of it's (as the poster also says) TINNY sound. Here is a harpsicord... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGrNh2eVqaqnjrM The strings are plucked rather than being hit with a felt tipped hammer. ;)

[@Bulletguy07]

8:57 brought back childhood memories of hearing the neighbour play this on his piano. I'd have only been around 6 or 7 before i was "into" pop music but really liked that tune.....i'm 70 now! We had a family piano which my sister learned to play but i hated the damn thing with her constant plonking up and down scales. I regret never learning myself now as i love ragtime and boogie woogie stuff....amongst a few classics!

[@mysigt_]

Bulletguy07 it’s never too late as long as you’re alive. Start practicing!

[@mewhen5172]

Love's Dream / Liebestraum

[@Hayden_Pohl]

K300savage haha funny😐

[@jasondeng964]

asscheeks mcbuttface Liebestraum No.3

[@KaityKat117]

My mom used to play that song a lot. She learned from her mom (who is a similar age to you) who also still plays that music from time to time.

[@karennichols8735]

As an amateur with woodworker, i typically feel overpowered with the entire arrangement kzbin.infoUgkxrYREG3-7f1Aqk9ams3ZESRNzGnfdUtyQ . Be that as it may, this arrangements drove me through with much clarity and effortlessness woodplans. Works i now work like a genius. That is great!

[@raglandpiano]

Thanks for showing my product (the clips). Cool install!! Would it be ok to post a link to your video in that eBay listing?

[@MeasuredWorkshop]

Absolutely! Can I post any links for you in the description of the video for visibility? There’s nothing quite like these clips, perfect for what they are and there is no adequate substitute.

[@raglandpiano]

@@MeasuredWorkshop Please do! The clips as you purchased them are at www.ebay.com/itm/291681866781. We've since put together a kit that includes the curtain. What you used certainly works, or someone doing a restoration might want original material. It's available at www.ebay.com/itm/293215719289. Thanks!

[@PeskyTheWabbit]

@@MeasuredWorkshop psssst you didnt put them in the description

[@asukalangleysoryu6695]

S T O N K S

[@deathtoweebs2725]

@@asukalangleysoryu6695 stop

[@ArtturiSalmela]

I hadn't realised that this was already a thing in pianos. I had thought of putting something metallic on a damper felt to achieve the same thing. Cool, that it is a thing already.

[@willdatsun]

hammer

[@adonkeyoncrack]

thumbtacks

[@jasons8734]

Guys, turn on the captions, they explain what he is doing and is very informative

[@ckmoore101]

Wow! Is that a common thing with no narration videos? Very cool.

[@markenangel1813]

thanks for the tip

[@ryanstang6556]

9:37 You brought a tear to my eye today. My grandma would always play last date for my grand dad before he died. I always said that I would learn that song and play it for her. I put it off and said I would some other day. Looking back I should have taken advantage of the opportunity. She’s had Alzheimer’s for years now and would probably act as if it was any other song being played. Thank you for the memory and the chance of self reflection. Don’t put things off, because you never know when an opportunity will have passed you by. Blessed week to any who sees this.

[@DevGuitar100]

Ryan Stang I’m sorry man I’ve had moments where I can remember just crying because I miss a lot of people

[@Smoke_Weed_Everyday_]

@@DevGuitar100 you need to realise that it's life and everyone will come and go so theres nothing to worry about you are gonna meet them one day anyway so why bother

[@instantinople3796]

Its a piece

[@MH3GL]

Music is one of the last things that people are still able to recall when their mind has been ravaged. Learn it and play it. First for her, and then for yourself.

[@RoseVerdict]

7:59: mhm, uh-huh, that's a piano… 8:06: *HOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH*

[@jeanpierrelabonte2868]

Nicely tuned!

[@Yadobler]

7:59: OOOOHH this sounds like those old timey ragtime piano 8:06: wait wtf thats a banjo!

[@ryanchungus8972]

@@Yadobler it's like a harpsichord my dude

[@nicop200]

ryanknowstecmobowl wrong, it's not like a harpsichord

[@LuscaSharktopus]

@@ryanchungus8972 lmao it sounds nothing like a harpischord

[@riggers6214]

I always remember (in the 1960's) my Dad used to drape a sheet of Newspaper behind the strings when playing ragtime songs - my favourite was the Maple Leaf Rag. Never did get to, or even try to, emulate him - but loved to hear him play - and the memories still linger. The Newspaper "trick" seems to be a far simpler way to achieve a very similar effect.

[@FilipinoFurry]

There was something about your username but you dont need to ask why

[@ButterKing-28]

at 1:21 I'm like "you just vacuumed up history!"

[@bepsibeverage4231]

There was a bug living there! 😯

[@ButterKing-28]

@@bepsibeverage4231 that was rude of him to vacuum up his house Lol jk

[@grandre3464]

0:31 I could listen to this all day.

[@silverstrings5569]

The corn starch threw me until you started pressing the keys. Then my brain exploded. That's a 10,000 IQ move there.

[@Reuben-]

Thank you! Was wonderful to watch you do the work, but also wonderful to listen to you play your piano.

[@DrakeMagnum]

Holy smokes. Well done. The videos on this channel are always informative, thorough, clear, and impressive.

[@Parmesana]

it was a delight watching you work on this piano. When I was small, my dad had obtained an old beer hall piano. (the kind that weighs as much as a small car). He put thumb tacks into the hammers to get the tinny sound. Thus began my love of the piano

[@EwemizDreamsRawks]

Dunno why it took KZbin a full year to recommend this to me. I'm in love.

[@andreagreen4367]

Brilliant work. You never cease to amaze me!

[@billz4071]

This is a fabulous addition to the piano!! Very intuitive and nicely executed!

[@davidrobins4025]

Great job modifying the piano. What a great song - "Last Date!" Played that often in my younger years. Brought back some wonderful memories of growing up in my parents home playing our piano in the "living room."

[@ga5743]

So cool to see the inside of a piano......thanks, and btw, you play well, and know your stuff if you can modify it to your needs.

[@alcamerc9923]

After working on these machines for decades (as a hobby) and rebuilding many player pianos and regular pianos, I have to recognize the effort that went into making this alteration. Good work.

[@sebastianaquino7454]

Holy lord! That was awesome! Sounds so vintage and nice!

[@mentaldetecting]

Sounds like something you'd hear in an old western saloon.

[@eggssmell278]

That's the idea

[@abbybetzler4785]

that’s the point lol

[@mentaldetecting]

I know it is. Hence why I said it.

[@steveraybro8769]

When Arthur Morgan walks in the saloon

[@Jonathan_7171]

That’s the goal

[@AiMR]

I did a similar effect in the 80s when I put thumbtacks in all the hammer felts 😎

[@DarioScaramuzza]

the same here: when I'm being bored of romanticism, I put them on and restart with all baroque literature

[@swiftfox3461]

This is so cool. I like the new sound you have to this piano.

[@MuseumOfReality]

I really enjoyed watching the process and then hearing the result. Thanks for sharing!

[@ZacharyPancoast1]

Really awesome, I love stuff like this for piano, even just putting felt on the strings add such a unique tone, this is awesome! Do you know if it has any effect on how the strings last?

[@MeasuredWorkshop]

I assume it’s bad for the strings hahah From what I understand, it actually is worse to the hammers though, it compacts the felt on them over time and makes them sound like they are hardened. But, that’s the character arc for this piano, I think it’ll suit it well!

[@prebooomer]

As stated above, my Story & Clark, has this type of attachment, and it was built in 1875, I had it restored,5 yrs ago, and only replaced 2 strings in it. so I assume that it is not all that bad, but, of course, my piano was made that way, so maybe it is not a fair comparison. And the hammers are harder than on a average piano. other than that, it is a straightforward instrument, and is a real hoot to play!!

[@boldcautionproductions9203]

I'm not sure where you live, but there are so many free or just about free pianos on craigslist where I live, you just toss the piano when the strings or hammers fall apart, and get another piano.

[@raglandpiano]

It will accelerate wear on the hammers (if the hammer strikes the clip itself; however, if the rail is adjusted such that the clip hangs just below where the hammer strikes the string that will be minimized) and will also eventually damage the windings on the bass strings....but....unless you spend time engineering a more complicated and expensive system using wooden dowels struck by the hammer shanks (like some orchestrions and coin pianos) this is the way to get that sound.

[@jamescruz8678]

Measured Workshop "But that's the character arc for this piano." Man I love that. Some people love preserving their stuff, which is understandable and I myself do that as well sometimes. But things like this are meant to be used to its fullest, even if it means wearing it out over the long run. Well said.

[@MawoDuffer]

It’s already out of tune so it will already sound like “rag time.”

[@williamvannice9012]

Mawo Duffer lol same

[@victorburton9499]

Rag time is not played out of tune any more than classical music is. The better the piano the more accurate the music is. In Rag Time, the TIME is RAGGED. This piano and this pianist are a joke.

[@maxhighton123]

@@victorburton9499 I assume he intended it to be like old rag time feel in terms of sound more than saying that the piano performs ragtime as that could be performed on any piano

[@victorburton9499]

@@maxhighton123 There's no such thing as "old rag time feel". Very few pianists can play Ragtime correctly. In Ragtime the TIME is RAGGED. It requires years of practice and discipline to get it right. It is beyond the ability of most professional pianists.

[@JesusisJesus]

This is just shitty old piano that is out of tune. As Victor said, Ragtime is a style / technique. I could tune this piano with a wrench and it’d sound better.

[@soundguydon]

That was one of the coolest things to watch and hear! Excellent -- thank you for sharing !!!

[@martinheath5947]

Masterful! Fantastic job well done.

[@raiscl]

I LOVED this modification. Any upright piano with a 'sordina pedal' should be able to do this!! Good job!

[@FoxerTails]

As a composer that also enjoys listening to ragtime tunes, this mod actually taught me what makes that distinct sound come from those types of songs. Very interesting.

[@arisfren8196]

Great work man! Thank you for including songs in the description ❤️

[@MH3GL]

This was awesome! Loved the way you edited to pull us along on your journey with you. Cool modification. Very well done all around. 👌

[@mdcbert]

my grandma played ragtime, but she had this thing that she could put between the hammers and the strings.....

[@smittywerbenjagermanjensen7027]

Congratulations, you've created a Fortepianichord.

[@asther1884]

This is such an authentic video and it’s so nice to see all the careful details put into this project without some heartless techno music or heavy editing on top. Keep it up!

[@malcolmhodgson7540]

Never knew I needed to see this in my life. But I am really glad I watched it all the way through. Fascinating insight into how to build a truly Analogue Synthesiser! The effect is great.

[@spacemadness3673]

The same effect can be achieved by pressing thumb tacks into the hammers. You just can’t toggle it like with the mod showed in the video. Very good video!

[@harkerroland9750]

I love see the process of making harpsicord sound on that old piano you are very great sir

[@eaf27]

That's really cool. I did not expect it to sound that good. very nice job sir.

[@FloofyRulezz]

This is the first piano-mod video I saw on KZbin, and I think it’s amazing!

[@EVILBUNNY28]

It almost makes the hammering of a piano sound like the pick of a guitar.

[@parhamkalani]

Play full version of "Scott Joplin - The Entertainer " in pedal mode ( full pedal press). I can't find it on youtube. Thanks.

[@amj.composer]

@@chulimyoo4604 It's called a request, dumbass.

[@agniumxv1692]

@@chulimyoo4604 not everyone owns a piano.

[@jetison333]

@@chulimyoo4604 and also not everyone is skilled enough with playing to play the entertainer. Im ok at the piano and it would take me a while to get to the point where I felt like I was playing it good.

[@zeal7895]

@@chulimyoo4604 ur fucking stupid

[@lucassaunders1606]

Look up vinheteiro he’s a piano musician and he posted a full version of him playing it

[@muthuvelayuthamvelayutham5159]

Amazed at your skills. Hats off, Gentleman.

[@jessebondmusic]

this legit makes me so happy--just amazing idea and execution

[@surajpratap7218]

The fingering in libestraum no.3 gave me a stroke lmao

[@thenobody7904]

I went looking for this comment! He plays ragtime really well but idk what the hell happened at liebestraum...

[@_-will-_3313]

Suraj Pratap He played The Entertainer wrong as well

[@vr8652]

Never once was it explicitly stated that they were a professional pianist. This video entails the modification of a piano for 'ragtime' sustain, not mastery with said modification.

[@vashafarisi]

boomer

[@imploud]

finally somebody explained to me how the ragtime piano works

[@MrManningata]

I watched almost the entire video and enjoyed it... And near the end I noticed it's from Measured Workshop! Bravo on having a wide range of videos to choose from.

[@rjkopp]

I've always wondered how they did the sound. This is the first time I've seen this, thank you very much. Pretty amazing and it doesn't even seem like a real difficult mod! Very neat! Thanks,

[@booper7769]

Everyone else: wow how do you just fix a piano like that... this is so cool Me: HE HAS THE SAME SICCORS AS ME!!!

[@frosty527]

scissors you mean?, not whatever a "SICCORS" is.

[@hannah5083]

Landon Frost shut up you fucking grammar nazi

[@mooviies]

@@hannah5083 That's kinda important XD I didn't know what he meant by siccors until that guy said it was supposed to be sissors. I thought it was some kind of piano thingy.

[@hannah5083]

mooviies come on, use context clues.

[@mooviies]

@@hannah5083 When your first language isn't english. Figuring out a word based on context isn't that easy.

[@ButterKing-28]

Imajin playing "piano man" on this piano!

[@tytustomaszewski1844]

Great dynamics, talented hands, you can listen endlessly!

[@bageled_meme2690]

Absolutely beautiful. Really awesome work

[@jhk02_]

That Is very good. I also like Last Date by Floyd Cramer you played.

[@WillBravoNotEvil]

I put thumbtacks on all the hammers. Took only a few minutes & is easily reversable. The novelty wore off pretty fast. 😄

[@JesusisJesus]

William Bravo “Fell” off.....

[@tribot_leader]

@@JesusisJesus where fell

[@EuphoniaPooch]

Beautiful playing

[@jimikazak]

Wow amazing workmanship you got the chops to. very cool.

[@Mike-1965]

Then you test it out by playing the outro from Lady Madonna. Awesome.

[@scottkremers9305]

7:59 - THIS IS WHAT YOU CAME FOR...........

[@Lierofox]

I mean, I enjoyed the whole video. But I enjoy fabrication as well as I enjoy music.

[@MannOfTheHill345]

Nah... Came here for the whole enchilada.

[@sadiedickman5578]

Scott Kremers BEATLES ARE MY JAM

[@kuzuchan3361]

This is an incredible video, thank you so much for sharing. It looked like an incredible amount of work, but you did a bang up job. I'm very proud of you :)

[@johncarcher]

It sounds beautiful. Great tune, great little piano you got there!

[@nightrous3026]

Without those metal things it would sound like a palm muted guitar. You should try that.

[@ayeeniko]

Isaac Westawski some pianos have that, it’s called a practice pedal. It just lowers a piece of felt between the hammers and the strings. basically makes it so you can pound on the keys pretty hard without waking up your neighbors

[@nerdydrew6818]

I was like WTF ! Until I heard the result. Idk if it’s legit to thr period but sounds good all the same

[@midimidori4699]

They used to put thumbtacks on the end of the hammers to make the sound. This is an awesome way to switch between the two!

[@louisedwards4023]

NOW that was the COOLEST thing I've ever seen or HEARD. WOW. Thank you very much🌄😀

[@babbalouie3166]

Amazing. Such a gift to be a true craftsman. Then to have the talent to play your work.

[@laurenbusche5668]

So awesome! Now can you record and release a CD of songs from the piano? :)

[@fezzeniicrazysequel9893]

This piano sounds like that one kid who can’t pronounce his S’s right

[@lampoilropebombs0640]

I am pretty sure this just reminded you of an area of music style, which further lay relates to its common accent.

[@bhomarampanwarofficial]

ऐसी हारमोनियम मेरे राखनी है, मेरा नम्बर 9799792926गायक भोमा राम पॅवार सिणधरी जिला बाड़मेर राजस्थान

[@chucksannel7768]

Just adds so much character to the piano

[@burntsider8457]

Impressive restoration and modification. Bravo!

[@edwardscott2498]

10:40 Is this song Last Date?

[@positivecommentman9037]

Edward Scott it is

[@DaniBarza]

10:05 song name?

[@TheMrHeavens]

"Last Date" - Floyd Cramer

[@DaniBarza]

RealSenatorPalpatine Thank you a lot

[@dualkilleryoutube5688]

Gave alike just because of the playing, absolutly fantastic!

[@JBergmansson]

Absolutely awesome idea!

[@MaxAtMyTube]

You are a genius! I've never seen and heard a converted piano in such way. Congratulations and many greetings from Germany!

[@NINOGIANLUCA]

Non fidarti dei commenti modificati

[@Andre-by1cv]

This is absolutely beautiful

[@yamilirodriguez689]

That was beautiful!!

[@bernrio86]

Very nice video of a piano anatomy/mod and music playing

[@NANONYMfree]

fabuleux, le son est parfait ! bravo, beau travail !

[@goodoleboys4u]

Absolutely Brilliant...Done well & Well Done

[@orionseesall76]

I absolutely love it! Fantastic job!

[@paulmcmaster9710]

absolutely amazing to watch and hear as a layman

[@kaminobatto]

Great art and craftsmanship!👍🏼👌🏼

[@petergaiser8497]

Brilliant sound.

[@nathanaelscheffler4759]

Awesome project, and great playing!

[@AcidGreenEmerald]

This is fascinating and beautiful and you just earned yourself another subscriber

[@xuianetexe2621]

Omg this is sick you are so talented also I love how you can change the voice off

[@liamradimir9066]

this is the most beautiful sound that i have ever heard

[@sapien82]

what a wonderful sound , and glad you gave it a new lease of life :)

[@bubblehead78]

This is the first video of yours that I've watched. It's amazing. Well done. I like that you are not talking and leaving the natural sounds in. ASMR! I love it. Subscribed.

[@nonsenseinmyhead9016]

Wow, that was great! Fantastic tutorial.

[@dualbasilisk]

Ngl I had no idea what you where doing until the finished product, but this is awesome!

[@lowenbad]

Such a cool idea. Great work!

[@LaurentLieben]

So clever. Amazing work.

[@Figurebutgaming]

Really nice process! Didnt expect lady madonna

[@johnvincentragner3578]

Respect the hustle🙌🏽

[@Multi-uo2zs]

Imagine being this good at wood working, editing, and playing piano! Your set for life dude.

[@Smoke_Weed_Everyday_]

he needs to get better in playing though

[@xuianetexe2621]

I'm actually grateful for youtube recommendations for giving me this