[CAUT] re-stringing Steinway D: pinblock preparation

[RicB]

Hi Ken

I was going to go a bit further down this road, but decided to keep 
quiet.  But as long as its up.... seems always to me that when you have 
gone so far as to take off the strings and remove all the pins... that 
the steps left to achieve a full rebuild are really not all that 
difficult to achieve.  Tho in years gone past I have also restrung 
only.... I wonder these days if doing that alone is really worth the effort.

In anycase.... I'd highly recommend resurfacing the capo and agraffe 
holes whilst you have the opportunity, along with thoroughly dressing up 
the bridge surface and replacing bridge pins.  Soak the holes with CA or 
thin epoxy before inserting same size new bridge pins.

Just some thoughts
Cheers
RicB


    Is there any particular reason to keep the original pinblock?  This
    piano is
    going on 50 years old and has loose pins.  An extra day to replace
    the block
    should be a pretty easy sell, given the vastly better prospects for the
    future.

    If you¹re absolutely committed to keeping the original block, here¹s
    my two
    cents worth:
    1. Remove the old pins with a brace or ratchet, not an electric
    drill.  It¹s
    more work, but it keeps the heat down and won¹t glaze the hole.
    2. Clean out the holes well.  I think Pianotek sells a round brush
    for this.
    A bore brush for a .270 or .30 caliber rifle will work well also.
    3. Inspect the interior of the holes.  If you see any evidence of
    internal
    cracks or delamination, you should replace the block.  Prepare your
    client
    for this possibility in your proposal.
    4. I would use 4/0 pins in a used Steinway block.

    Hope this helps,
    Ken Z.