Special tuning pins

[Joseph Garrett]

Paul,
I posted my method of prepping bushings. I have found that this method
almost completely eliminates the "crushing" you refer to. I have pianos, out
there, that were done that way, and as yet, (20years +), have not exhibited
a problem. Therefore, I personally don't see the need for expensive,
although well thought out, modified tuning pins.
Regards,
Joe Garrett
----- Original Message -----
From: <larudee@pacbell.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2001 11:07 PM
Subject: Re: Special tuning pins


> Joe,
>
> Part of the reason for the pin is to offer another option than replacing
> the pin
> block in order to avoid using oversize pins.  With regard to its
> application to
> new pianos, I have to say that I am not a fan of tuning pin bushings.
> Bushings
> may mitigate the flagpoling of standard pins, but unreliably so.  The
> degree to
> which the bushing helps depends on how much it has been crushed, how
> well it
> meets the pin hole, how many tunings have progressively crushed it,
> etc., and
> can vary from pin to pin.  Personally, I doubt that they accomplish very
> much,
> especially after they have been crushed over time.  I would rather
> create more
> stiffness in the pin and do without the bushings.  The result will be
> more
> uniform and longer lasting.
>
> I would like to see nothing larger than 1/0 diameter at the coils and
> enough
> thickness the rest of the way to ensure optimum tuning characteristics.
> This
> can vary according to piano design.  In Steinways perhaps 2.5/0 (7.20mm.
> or
> .284") might give the right degree of rigidity.  In open face pin blocks
> the
> only reason to use my pin design might be to have more surface contact
> area in
> the block.  The enlarged section of the pin does not project far enough
> above
> the block to affect flagpoling.  In closed blocks, on the other hand, it
> can
> make a considerable difference.
>
> Paul Larudee
>
> Joseph Garrett wrote:
>
> > Paul,
> > Now that you have described the tuning pins. I get it. Although, I'm in
> > agreement with the rationale, I'm not sure I fully see the reason for
such a
> > pin. Is it possibly for the situation specifically in S&S grands? If so,
> > then I see the reason, as well. Thanks for the explanation.
> > Regards,
> > Joe Garrett, R.P.T.