Howdy, I just finished stringing a Kawai upright. Before starting I always try a few preliminary tests. My test indicated that 4/0 pins would do very nicely. Slightly tight but not excessive, (I would rather see slightly tight pins than marginally tight since this will ensure long lasting tunability over the years). I did not ream the holes, as my experience in doing this has not been favorable. Having completed the stringing I am now finding that the pins are excessively tight, tighter than my pre stringing tests. They are also very jumpy and squeaky. I have strung many pianos and have always had excellent results, even on my first piano. This is the first time I have experienced this kind of result. The piano is tunable but not anywhere near as friendly as it should be. Has anyone discovered a way of improving this condition? Obviously an impact hammer might be helpful in tuning but that is not my question. I was thinking last night, I wonder if heating the pins might reduce the friction a little, kind of like heating a tight center pin. Not enough to char the wood mind you, but perhaps it would ease the holes a little. Of course this might polish the inside of the holes too and make things worse. What do you think, any ideas? I eagerly await your thoughts ;-) thanks, Rob Goodale, RPT
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