Pointed bridge pins / Rounded bridge pins ?

[kam544@flash.net]

Dear List,

I am planning on replacing a set of bass strings and their respective
bridge pins on a piano that has been exposed to corrosive elements (smoke,
water, heat).

Since my main activities are tuning, repair, regulation and voicing, I have
a couple of questions regarding the current bridge pins which are of the
rounded end type.

Are there any reasons not to replace with the same type bridge pins versus
the pointed ones? (I have done a WebGlimpse search of the Pianotech
Archives for 'pointed bridge pins' and 'rounded bridge pins' specifically.)

I also notice in the supply catalog that the pointed ones are 1/4" longer,
so I am assuming for the moment this suggests the existing holes would have
to be made deeper.  Yes / no?

Thank you for any consideration concerning this matter.

Keith McGavern
Registered Piano Technician
Oklahoma Chapter 731
Piano Technicians Guild
USA