Stephen, You have just experienced your 1st separated pin block, (In the Gulbransen). IMHO, you should let the tension back down where it was and have your friend call a real technician to fix it. As for the fire damaged Kawai, it's probably not worth what your friend paid for it. My best advise is COMPLETELY rebuild it or use it for a boat anchor. Regards, Joe Garrett, RPT, (Oregon)(Go Nebraska!)
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