Cast Iron Pinblock

[David C. Stanwood]

Dear Rolland,

I take care of a cast iron pin block in a Wurlitzer here on
Martha'sVineyard.  The piano is extremely stable.  It's also one of the few
pianos for which I extend my tuning hammmer when tuning because the pins
are so tight.  I broke one pin and they are a devil to deal with.

David Stanwood


>Date: Wed, 04 Mar 1998 07:12:14 -0500
>From: Rolland Miller <rmiller@EN.COM>
>Subject: Cast Iron Pinblock
>
>Hello list,
>
>I am trying to determine the longevity of a "cast iron pinblock". Please
>see below.
>
>Tuesday morning 3/2/98, I checked out a Wurlitzer 5'3" grand - SN 101066
>made about 1929 I believe.  The piano was origionally a player but that
>mechanisim had been removed.  When I tested the tuning pin torque by tuning
>a few notes, I couldn't believe the strength that old block had. When I
>checked under the pinblock for ply separations/cracks I found out why.
>There was no pinblock - the tuning pins were embedded in the plate.  Each
>tuning pin had a slot cut in it at the bottom and a tiny wedge was tapped
>up into each slot to adjust torque.  
>
>This was a first for me.
>
>The piano needs about $1800 to $2000 in repairs - replace bass strings,
>bush keys, new keytops, action recon and regulation, etc. plus some sound
>board repairs.
>
>The piano has sentimental value to the husband as it was his mother's
>piano.  He also played it when he was growing up.  He wants to put the
>piano in sevicable condition and give it to his daughter who has children
>that could use it.
>
>The piano is now about 70 years old.  I have no past experience with a
>"cast iron pinblock".
>
>What have been others experienced with this type of "pinblock"?
>
>Any advice, suggestions or past experience greatly appreciated.
>
>Rolland Miller, RPT
>rmiller@en.com