[pianotech] Tuning pin height

[Terry Farrell]

One caveat I'd like to add to this is in bass sections (more verticals, but grands also) where it is not uncommon to find tuning pins close together and a high bearing bar on the speaking side of the tuning pin array. This results in a relatively steep string angle from the bearing bar to the tuning pins. When the pins are close together the string from the further (from the bearing bar) pins often run close to (or touching!) the closer pins and if the tuning pins are all pounded in to the same height (or coils are the same height above plate), it results in the further pin strings being significantly higher than the strings to the closer tuning pins - sometimes above the closer coils. Then it makes in very difficult to get a tuning lever tip on the closer pins.

I think there is utility and improved cosmetics in keeping the string angles close. And where you do have some differing string angles, I often will angle the closer pins back more than the further pins when drilling the block.

Terry Farrell

On Nov 2, 2012, at 9:22 AM, William Monroe wrote:

> Paul,
> 
> I taped a thin rubber mute to my tuning pin punch to serve as a depth stop.  When I'm doing the initial pounding in of pins, I leave them a bit proud, and then come back and later to even them out.  But it's a guide only, I use it to keep things close.  As Ron states, and Terry alluded to, the object shouldn't be to have 220 some odd pins all at the same height, it should be to have all the coils equally off the plate.  Using a depth stop like I have allows me to pound away pretty freely, getting everything close without having to worry too much.  Keeps me from getting too crazy with my hammer.  And yes, paying attention isn't a bad suggestion either.  I've been known to daydream............
> 
> ;-]
> 
> William R. Monroe
> 
> 
> 
> On Fri, Nov 2, 2012 at 7:43 AM, Ron Nossaman <rnossaman at cox.net> wrote:
> On 11/2/2012 7:25 AM, Paul Mulik wrote:
> I'm going to be restringing a piano next week and I would like
> suggestions on how to make sure all the new tuning pins end up at the
> same height.
> 
> If you plan on using more than one wire size during the stringing, they won't. Keep the coils pulled up tight, and the gap between the bottom of the coils and the plate uniform and you're good. Best accomplished by paying attention.
> Ron N
> 
> 
> 

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