loose pins

[Stan Kroeker]

Well, now that many of us have vented our mis-givings about the quality of
Samick pianos, why don't we get back to helping Leslie solve her (his?)
problem.  Honestly, 6 pins are loose and the entire history of this
manufacturer is in question?

If the serial no. is 500xxx (6 digits, wholly numerical), then the piano
was manufactured in 1985 and almost certainly has a Delignit pinblock.
(btw:  Samick switched to the alpha-numeric serial no. system in 1988)  As
many rebuilders know, this high quality material has a very narrow margin
of error for drilling tolerance.  As the former service manager for Samick
Canada (1989-1996) I personally repinned many improperly drilled pianos
which rightly should never have left the factory in that condition.  But, I
never had to repin with anything bigger than a standard 2/0 pin (0.282" up
from Samick's 0.276") and then only after reaming with either a 7mm or
letter 'J' bit to reduce excessive torque into the 120 "lb range.  These
bits are available through machine shop tool suppliers.

During my tenure as service manager, I would never have suggested the use
of sandpaper shims or even the CA or epoxy techniques (although the latter
have more merit than the former).  If repinning with anything bigger than
3/0 pins would not restore proper torque, then the next option would be to
plug and redrill the hole.  I think Mr. Garten fumbled the ball by
suggesting such a temporary fix.

I have great difficulty believing the plate screw lubricant migration
theory.  With the greatest respect for Mike Swendsen, who I know to be a
highly skilled craftsman, I would have to question the authority of his
sources of this theory.

To those who must have the benefit of a great deal of inside information in
formulating your negative opinions about the general quality of these
pianos, I won't try to dissuade you.  Rather, simply put, this is not my
experience after dealing with thousands of Samick pianos over the years.

Regards to all,


Stan Kroeker
Registered Piano Technician

Kroeker & Sons Piano Experts
59 Quiring Bay
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada  R2G 1Y5

Ph.   204-669-5881
Res.  204-661-5621