new Baldwin Pin Torque, was PianoTechList Comments

[Mike and Jane Spalding]

LIst,

Here's a possible explanation for the change seen by Tanglewood techs:

Stacy Yoak, from the Baldwin factory, was at Reno to teach a class on
re-stringing an accu-just system.  During the class, he described some
changes recently introduced in production methods to control pin torque.
The first pin holes drilled in each block are test holes, in an unused
section of the block.  Pins are installed in the test holes, torque measured
and evaluated.   Drill RPM and feed rate are adjusted, or perhaps the drill
bit is replaced, to bring the torque within tolerance.  Only then are the
"real" tuning pin holes drilled.

Stacy also told us that with orders down, and inventory up, they had begun
un-crating, re-inspecting, and touching up workmanship on unshipped pianos.

This emphasizes what others have said on this list.  As much as we might
disagree with some top level management decisions, the actual workforce
consists mainly of honest hardworking skilled people trying to put out a
quality product.  Its a shame the workforce must usually reap what the
management has sown.

Mike Spalding


----- Original Message -----
From: jolly roger <baldyam@sk.sympatico.ca>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2001 2:16 AM
Subject: Fwd: PianoTechList Comments


> Hi Bob,
>             The tech's at Tanglewood are among the finest, how ever a clip
> from a memo, from the chief tech.  It is indeed a major change at the
> factory, in spite of contrary opinions.   I am confident that things will
> work them selves out.  It is just going to take some time.
> A lot of people have a great deal of anxiety happening over this, and many
> have already lost their income.  Mature people will have a little
> compassion, others will make snide remarks and indulge in sarcastic
gossip.
>  I view your comments as fair.  How ever we have been able to make them in
> to very good quality instruments at their value price point.
>
> Regards Roger
>
>
>
> >Hi, Roger and
> >Here is a news flash for you regarding the comments you both have made on
> >the List which I skim now and then.  The 162 new Baldwins we have gotten
> >here at Tanglewood this summer are a big, BIG improvement over past
> >decades regarding tuning pin torque.  The grands are as smooth and
> >controllable as can be with regard to tightness of pin-in-block.  I don't
> >want to comment on the uprights because the three assistant piano
> >technicians service all of those and I have no direct experience.  But
> >they also have no complaints this summer about excessive tuning pin
> >tightness.  And it does get humid up here now and then so we are
> >experiencing all kinds of weather conditions.  Of course, we are getting
> >the latest off the production line.  So look forward to busting the tight
> >pin reputation of Baldwins in the coming months.
> >
> >You can quote me on that.
>
>