Dear List- I'm replacing the pinblock in a 1970's Zuckermann "Stein" Fortepiano. In the 1980's the string scale tension was increased at the direction of David Way, owner of Zuckermann Harpsichords. The pinblock began to warp and the instrument is now unplayable. First, I'm curious if anyone else has run into this, since this is a rather common instrument. The owner has a xeroxed scale from Way, which makes me wonder if he had decided to rescale this model at a higher tension, and how many other instruments have warped pinblocks. I also wonder if the same problem has occured with the lower tension original scale. The original had .016" wire on the highest notes; the rescale had .018" wire on the highest notes. Second, I'm wondering what material to use in the new pinblock. It is supported at the ends only, no gap spacers. The original appears to be solid beech. Wouldn't Delignit or Falconwood be a stiffer material? Bolduc's 5 ply pinblock would be delightful to work with, but I fear it wouldn't be stiff enough. Or I could just use solid beech and hope it lasts a few decades. I haven't decided whether to return to the original scale. That is my inclination, but the owner states the instrument sounded better with the new scale. I thank you in advance for your suggestions. Ed Sutton
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