[pianotech] Pinblock Separation Repair

[Terry Farrell]

I posted this because this is a piano I have seen/tuned numerous times. I went there a month ago, checked the pitch, and saw that the high treble and low bass were up to pitch, but the low tenor was like 30 cents flat. I immediately asked the owner if he minded if I tore the felt off the top of the pinblock to inspect. Sure enough there was a good 1/8" crack open in the middle. I explained to him the nuts and bolts (pun intended) of the repair and he asked me if I would be offended if he did the repair. I said no, gave him a few more pointers, many warnings, and wished him luck. He did it! And except for two tuning pins that a tuning tip doesn't seat well on and one that barely can be moved, he really did a nice job. Just thought I'd share.

Terry Farrell

On Feb 27, 2013, at 11:25 PM, <johnparham at piano88.com> wrote:

> Tom,
> 
> Nice observation. I just did this same repair and decided to put the nut
> on the front side instead of the back. I planned it so the carriage bolt
> did not extend beyond the end of the tuning pins. I did not anticipate,
> however, how it interfered with the small lit prop on the right
> corner...I had to not only live and learn, but I had to hack-saw my way
> out of my mistake.
> 
> By the way, please call me next time you pass through Hickory. We have a
> guest room always ready.
> 
> -John Parham