"cracking" pins

[Les Smith]

On Fri, 3 Oct 1997, robert sadowski wrote:

> Dear list,
>      When restringing an old block, what do some of you use to get a
> smoother moving pin - to eliminate that "cracking" feel.  An old tuner told
> me to put some talc on the pin before driving it in.  Any other
> suggestions?

This one comes up several times a year it seems. Forget talc, you need
to use a "pin driving fluid", specifically a high-quality spar varnish.
First, cover the keybed to protect it from drips. Next swab the tuning
pin hole with the spar varnish and then drive in the pin. At first, the
pin will feel somewhat loose. But after a day or two, when the varnish
has dried, the pin will tighten up nicely. This will not only eliminate
the "creaking", but also impart a really smooth "feel" to the pins--
almost like tuning with "power steering". Checking the archives will
reveal numerous posts on this topic.

Les Smith
lessmith@buffnet.net