At 06:49 PM 9/12/96 -0400, you wrote:
>
> This brings me to my question, i.e. should I just install the new block in
>the same manner or should I fit and glue the block in, ala Steinway and
>Boston M&H ? In your 'opinion' will there be an improvement enough in
>stability to warrant the extra effort ? Any thoughts, theories are welcome as
>I have hashed this problem out by myself many times and have not arrived at a
>satisfactory answer by myself.
>Jim Bryant (FL)
Yes, I would go the extra mile and secure the pinblock to case when
replacing. Another "fix" that can be done (if rebuilding is not
otherwise necessary, or the owner doesn't want to/ can't afford to replace
the pinblock) on one of the "Winter Corporation" Mason & Hamlins (Owned
Aeolian from 1959 to somewhere in the early 70's) with the unsecured
pinblocks that will not stay in tune is to:
0. Remove action
1. Lower all tension on the strings
2. Flip piano over (get some help)
3. Drive wood shims soaked in hide glue into crevasse between the
pinblock and plate flange.
4. Turn piano back over, remove plate screws at both ends and
replace with lag bolts that screw into the case (drill tap holes)
5. Tune until pitch is stabilized
I have done this with Mason&Hamlins from the 60's that would not stay in
tune and found that they stayed in tune quite nicely afterwards.
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