Replacing T-pins

[Larry Fisher]

I don't remember who posted the queery, and I didn't see any responses to
it, but someone inquired about replacing tuning pins with two sizes over and
wondered wheather they should drill out the holes first.

Personally, I don't see the advantage of boring out a hole to make something
fit tighter.  On the prospect of cleaning out the hole, well, .........
I've seen all kinds of things put in tuning pin holes and the pins still
held nicely for years.  Two sizes over is a good rule of thumb, or so I've
experienced personally as well as others that have shared this information
with me.  The last piano I did this on was an old upright and the job came
out beautiful.  All the tuning pins felt the same, and all of them had just
the right amount of tension.  I felt good about the job when I was done.  I
didn't bore the holes, nor did I ream them with a precision reamer or spoon
bit I guess they're called.

When doing this on a grand, inspect the pin block carefully with a mirror.
Look for missing pieces of laminations, or separated laminations before
bidding the work.  Sometimes you can see the pin block on a vertical as
well.  In either case, if the laminations are separating, or loose and
missing, repinning isn't going to last very long, if at all, and you won't
want to associate you name to the job.

I'd be curious to hear if anyone else has anything to add about this fairly
simple and common piano life elongating process.

Lar

                                    Larry Fisher RPT
   specialist in players, retrofits, and other complicated stuff
      phone 360-256-2999 or email larryf@pacifier.com
         http://www.pacifier.com/~larryf/ (revised 10/96)
           Beau Dahnker pianos work best under water