Ron N wrote, >>>"If either oversized pins or sandpaper make more pins loose, isn't it time to just pronounce the block DOA and move on? ">> Having pronounced the death sentence on an old banger, I sometimes just remove the offending strings if there are just a few loose pins beyond redemption that spoil the tuning. The piano is still useable while on death row. By removing one string out of a tricord does not make all that much difference to the volume. If you are down to one string out of a tricord, the sound is too thin. If the offending pins are in the bass, one could probably use a larger pin without fear of "opening cracks" as the pins there are spread much further apart than in the treble. Some people like to hold on to their old bangers for sentimental reasons because it belonged to great, great, great grandmother, or for semi-mental reasons because they bought it at an auction for a king's ransom and want to try and save face. A couple of felt mutes here and there might not go amiss either. Regards AF "But Madam, no wonder the piano sounds dead; where are all the strings?" after being called in to tune a piano that had been bought at an auction.
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