Tuning Pins

[Dick Beaton]

Hi all....
Just read all the tuning pin comments.  Haven't seen anyone mention that
some tuning pins are tapered slightly....like in old Chickerings....I tapped
them in several years ago and they are holding fine, but they don't get
tuned every month either....just a comment from Montana.
Dick...and it doen't make any diff that I happen to be an old RPT

-----Original Message-----
From: kam544@flash.net <kam544@flash.net>
To: pianotech@ptg.org <pianotech@ptg.org>
Date: Friday, November 12, 1999 9:56 AM
Subject: Re: Tuning Pins


>>...No offence meant, but I know very few techs who subscribe to the idea
>>that tapping pins in has any real lasting value...
>
>No offense taken, Richard, but maybe it's because you only know a few
>techs.  <grin>
>
>>...I think you will find you are in the distinct minority here.. but so be
it.
>
>>From conjecture on your part to later asking me if I've taken torque
>readings.  So be it.    <hehehe>
>
>>...prefering to just change the pins, and solve the problem on a more
>>permanant basis...
>
>Either a tuning pin is holding the position it is put in by the tuner
>throughout the changing environment, or it is not.  If tapping a pin
>achieves that objective, and does it with longevity, how is that any less
>effective than the replacement of the tuning pin?
>
>>...Otherwise I refer the customer to a couple other techs I know that are
>>motivated to doing >the quick fix kinda thing. grin. No slant intended :)
>
>Depending on the circumstances, it's far from a quick fix.  The only
>motivation I have is to serve each situation as it dictates.  If replacing
>a tuning pin is in order, I do it.  If it's not, I don't.  No reflection
>meant  :)
>
>>Richard Brekne
>>I.C.P.T.G.  N.P.T.F.
>>Bergen, Norway
>>
>>kam544@flash.net wrote:
>>
>>> ...I respectfully submit that the entire surface of the tuning
>>> pin hole is affected by this tap, thereby creating more than ample
friction
>>> to introduce holding power once again.
>>
>>I think research into this matter will show you otherwise,, but if it
>>"works" for you.. great.
>
>The research has already been done for me.  I have had tuning pins go from
>a non-holding position to tighter than I like.  No way that little 3mm of
>wood you mentioned is doing that by itself.
>
>>...actually I am suprised to hear from an RPT any positive comments about
>>this >proceedure..but each new day brings a suprise.
>
>Cheep...cheep...cheep shots at best.   :-)
>
>Being an RPT doesn't change the truth about what I know to be true.  Take
>away the letters and the results remain the same, factual.  Actually
>though, Richard, I'm surprised that someone with I.C.P.T.G. &  N.P.T.F.
>after their name would have a contrary position, and from another country
>as well.  <twisting and turning in the hot seat  :) >
>
>>...Perhaps different climates have something to say in all this ??
>
>Perhaps.
>
>>Have you ever taken torque reading on these ??
>
>Yes.  My tuning arm and the passage of time has told me the torque reading
>is quite sufficient on the pianos I have done.
>
>BTW: I was particularly impressed with your trouble shooting on that Yamaha
>grand with the slight flex in the hammer rail!  That truly was superb!!
>
>Keith McGavern
>Registered Piano Technician
>Oklahoma Chapter 731
>Piano Technicians Guild
>USA
>
>
>
>