Tuning Pin Quick-Fix

[Kenneth W. Burton]

	Danny,

	Use "that stuff". Your instructor was wrong. In the situation you
describe, tuning pin tightener is the logical solution. I've never had a
failure yet.

	Ken Burton "Doctor Piano" Calgary Alberta

On Wed, 12 Feb 1997, Danny Moore wrote:

>
> I realize we've just debated tuning pin tightners, but I would really
> appreciate a little more input.  Our instructor in school was adamant
> that "that stuff does more harm than good."  As a result, I've always
> either used oversize pins, CA glue, epoxy, even abraisive backed wood
> fiber tuning pin shims (sand paper), but never "that stuff."
>
> I seem to be stuck with a 6'1" Ivers & Pond that is in excellent
> condition and sounds very nice (for an Ivers & Pond), however, the
> tuning pins are uniformly loose.  It will hold a reasonable tune for
> about 3 months, then it lets go.  The trichords become truly that -
> triad chords.  The pins feel good, they turn smothly in the block, there
> does not appear to be any evidence of delamination or cracking - It
> almost appears as if the holes were not drilled enough undersize when
> they were originally driven, or perhaps the bit was dull and the holes
> were charred.
>
> If the instrument were of more value, I would change the block, but
> around here, an Ivers & Pond sells for about the same as two dead
> dry-cell batteries.
>
> Is CA glue treatment the first thing to try?  Should I ingnore my
> college instructor, use "that stuff" and feel guilty about it for the
> rest of my life?  Perhaps I just need to suck it up and spend a day
> driving #4 tuning pins.
>
> All thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
>
> Danny Moore
> Houston Chapter
>