<HTML> <HEAD> <TITLE>Re: [CAUT] re-stringing Steinway D: pinblock preparation</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY> 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 you’re absolutely committed to keeping the original block, here’s my two cents worth: <OL><LI>Remove the old pins with a brace or ratchet, not an electric drill.  It’s more work, but it keeps the heat down and won’t glaze the hole. <LI>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. <LI>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. <LI>I would use 4/0 pins in a used Steinway block. </OL> Hope this helps, Ken Z. On 12/2/06 8:13 AM, "Thomas Russell" <trussellpiano@isunet.net> wrote: <BLOCKQUOTE>I will be submitting a proposal to re string a 60s vintage D. The pins are all even but loose. Any advice on preparing the holes and tuning pin selection would be appreciated. Thomas Russell RPT Registered Piano Technician 1206 Michigan Ave. Ames, IA 50014 515-268-1616 trussellpiano@isunet.net </BLOCKQUOTE> -- Ken Zahringer, RPT University of Missouri School of Music </BODY> </HTML>