B.Y.O.B. party

[Mary C. Smith]

>Just for reference, I tuned one in a junior high school last week, which i
>have nicknamed 'my nemesis'. I stupidly saved it for the sixth tuning and
>last of the day. I did an experiment where you place your fingers on the top
>of the piano and , using your thumb, are able to make significant pitch
>changes by pulling up or pushing down on the tuning pin. Just lovely.
>Ken Jankura
>


Aha! I think that is the crux of the matter right there - flagpoling tuning
pins combined with too little (or is it too much?) bearing at the pressure
bars. Invariably, I find the bass tunes up more easily on these demons.
However, one thing I have tried that seems to work in the tenor and treble
sections is to pull OUT on the pin as I push it flat, then push IN (toward
the block) as I pull it sharp. Then pull out again as I settle the pin back
where I want it. Then just pound the hell out of the sucker for good
measure. I still put my hammer on the pin at 1:00 or so. Being 5'7", I have
to tune these standing anyway for best leverage. Thing is, if you can GET
one of these in tune, they will STAY there. And if all else fails, one might
think of this piano's designer and be tempted (in the words of a NY Times
article I read today) to "use a vulgarity that calls into question the
legitimacy of his parents' marriage!"

Mary