twisting front rail key pins

[Scott Jackson]

If you take a look at brand new pianos from Chinese factories, they often 
over-size the mortice, then regulate by turning the front pin. Better option 
than having sticking keys I guess. It's a good reason to make the front pin 
eliptical, otherwise it may as well be round.

Scott Jackson
Jurjens Pianos
www.jurjens.com.au

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Sivak" <tvaktvak at sbcglobal.net>
To: "pianotech" <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 1:30 AM
Subject: twisting front rail key pins


> List
>
> I've always been told, "Don't twist the front key pins to eliminate side 
> motion on keys that have the key bushings worn out."  And I've always 
> accepted that.
>
>  Last week I was at a composer/friend's house.  He has a 1930s Kimball 
> grand, really worn out.  I did a full regulation on the piano, and he 
> didn't want to pay for new key bushings, so I twisted them, and the 
> difference is wonderful.  No side play on the keys, feels like a million 
> bucks.
>
>  Now I understand it would be unethical to do that to a piano and then 
> sell it, hiding a problem, but what's wrong with improving the play of a 
> piano by doing the same?  Sure, it may accelerate wear on the bushings, 
> but the bushings are worn out now!  They need replacing already.  All this 
> does is extend the deadline and make the piano play much better until D 
> Day comes.
>
>  Am I missing something?  What's the down side to this?
>
> Tom Sivak
>  Chicago
>