Pinblocks

[Ed Sutton]

Dear Ray,
I've just restrung two pianos using Paul Larudee's Lo Torq pins, and the
results are excellent.  Your pianos would be excellent candidates.  Assuming
your pianos have #2 pins, I would recommend reaming with a #4 reamer from
Schaff, then repinning with LoTorq 1/3.5 pins.  Chuck the reamer in a heavy
duty electric drill, put a depth stop at about 2 inches, drill in and out
once on each hole, and preferably blow compressed air on the reamer while
you work.
I highly recommend these pins to college technicians.  In a Steinway
pinblock, these pins tune as well as #2 pins, maybe even a little better.
They provide a quality alternative to pinblock replacement.
Ed Sutton

----------
>From: "Breakall, Raymond" <rbreakal@richmond.edu>
>To: "'caut@ptg.org'" <caut@ptg.org>
>Subject: Pinblocks
>Date: Mon, Mar 4, 2002, 12:09 PM
>

> Dear list,
>
> Anyone have a good way to drill pinblocks while in the piano? I have a
> couple of Steinways where the pinblock is in good shape but needs oversize
> pins. I have heard about table drill configurations where the drill can be
> mounted over the pinblock area on a sliding rail. Any ideas?
>
>
>
> Ray Breakall
> Piano Technician
> University of Richmond
> Richmond, VA
> (804)287-6342
>