Baldwin Accu-Just Hitch Pins--General Information

[Delwin D Fandrich]

----- Original Message -----
From: <Duplexdan@AOL.COM>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: January 24, 2002 10:37 PM
Subject: Re: Baldwin Accu-Just Hitch Pins--General Information


> Del,
>
> The accu-just hitchpin came into being the year I left Baldwin. When I saw
> this innovation I was deeply troubled. I felt that the substitution of the
> accujust hitchpin for the duplex scale was a step in the wrong direction.
It
> was an attempt to sacrifice a proven element of controlling the oliquot
> distance of the non speaking length for the option of controlling the
> downbearing. I believe i would be correct in stating that the fortunes of
> Baldwin began to deteriorate at this time.

Obviously I disagree with the link between the introduction of the vertical
hitchpin system and the decline of Baldwin's fortunes. I consider the
introduction of the vertical hitchpin to be one of the more significant
improvements to piano construction to come along in some time.

Unfortunately, technological advances in the instrument can't overcome poor
management. They couldn't overcome Baldwin-United's financial blunders. They
couldn't overcome subsequent management's emphasis on production quantity
and low manufacturing costs at the expense of performance and build quality.
And, if you've been following the various press releases and trade articles
at all over recent months you can't help but be aware of the almost
unbelievable management blunders made over the past five or so years. No, to
blame the declining fortunes of the Baldwin company on the introduction of
the vertical hitchpin is, at best, some disingenuous.


>
> Since  accujust hitchpins have been integrated into the scale I have never
> heard of anyone, artist or technician, who has endorsed the improvement of
> the tone of the piano. Perhaps I haven't heard all there is, which is
> entirely possible.

It must be.


>
> However, Baldwin had a great piano and a great duplex
> scale design. Perhaps it is time to reconsider returning to the original
> scale design with improvements in the duplex scale and eliminating the
> accujust hitch pins. Fazioli and Mason & Hamlin have made great inroads in
> duplex scale design; perhaps Baldwin could come up with a new
characteristic
> that would enhance the tone of the piano. It seems that touting the
accujust
> hitchpins is like beating a dead horse. I'd love to see a Baldwin
Renaissance.

So would I, but the horse that has died was carrying the duplex scale with
it. Time and technology moves on.

Del