Jumping tuning pins

[Scarecrow]

pianotech@byu.edu wrote:
>
> List,
>
> A customer recently purchased a used M&H grand out of the 1960's.
> Nearly every tuning pin in the piano jumps badly.  Can someone shed
> light on why this condition develops?  Is there any good fix for it
> short of replacing the tuning pins?  Is it possible to apply anything
> (i.e. tuning pin tightener, etc) to the bottom of the tuning pin hole?
> I and my customer would appreciate any suggestions.  Thanks
>
> Paul Stephens, RPT




Paul, without looking at the piano for myself, it would be hard to say...
But, I will take a stab at it.  I would say that one problem might be
unequal string tensions.  what I mean is, you've got the string in
different segments, and if something is wrong with the capo bar (which
would explain the treble) then it is very hard for the string to pass
over it, requiring more force from the hammer, of course causing the pin
to jump.  I am not sure if that is the problem, but that IS something
that does happen frequently on older pianos.  To lube, you can use the
lubricant that protech puts out.  I can't remember the call # on it, but
it is  clp something.  It has about the consistency of water, works
great for lubing the capo bar.  Other than that, I'm not too
sure...anyone else on the list have any ideas?

PS> I would definately say to avoid using the tuning pin tightener..Every
time I've seen it used, it ended up turning the pin block to mush.
Well, good luck, let me know ifyou get to the root of the problem.

Jonathan