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<DIV>I'm even less "Mr. Experience" than Terry, but I'll second his remarks. I would be very nervous about putting straight pins into tapered holes, because all of the grip will be at the bottom of the pin. Think about how difficult it will be to set those pins where you want them. Yesterday, for the first time, I "tapped" pins on a worn out spinet. I mean, I've tapped in the occasional loose pin, but on this piano every pin I touched just let go and spun, so I tapped them all. I have never had to deal with such a pronounced marshmallow zone. Very frustrating. I know the base of the pins will stay right where I left them, but the top of the pin and the string tension/pitch is anybody's guess.</DIV>
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<DIV>Mike Spalding</DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt Arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A title=mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com href="mailto:mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com">Farrell</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To: </B><A title=pianotech@ptg.org href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">Pianotech</A></DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> 1/20/2004 5:12:47 AM </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: tapered tuning pins</DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial>I am not Mr. experience, but that won't stop me from plaguing you with my thoughts! ;-)</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial>I would definitely recommend that you redrill the pin holes. The relationship between the bit size and pin size will vary depending on the type of block and the drilling methods. Do a search in the archives and you will find all sorts of suggestions for where to start. Start conservative (use a bit that might be on the small side) and drill. Try the 3/0 pins first. Start at A0, drill the hole and pound the pin. Test the feel before you go any further (and maybe, just in case you are way off in fit, try turning the pin after you pound it in half way - if it is too tight at that point, just turn the darn thing out and drill out the hole with a bigger bit). Adjust as necessary. You can patch up the first few with the 0.288 if need be, and you will likely have a good combination for fit within the first few pins. Remember to use good support underneath and mic the pins first.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial>Terry Farrell</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A title=tomtuner@comcast.net href="mailto:tomtuner@comcast.net">Tom Driscoll</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=pianotech@ptg.org href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">pianotech@ptg.org</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, January 20, 2004 1:01 AM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> tapered tuning pins</DIV>
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<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">List,</SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> I’m replacing bass strings on an older 5’10” Henry F Miller grand. The existing pins are tapered --.282 at the top of the threads down to .270 @ the bottom. 2 ½ “long. and reasonably tight. Based on past experience I would use one size larger pin (usually 3/0 ) and expect good tunability. </SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> I usually use Denro blued (.286) but I don’t remember ever repining a block that had tapered pins.</SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Should I chase the hole with a pin block drill bit and if so what might the relationship between drill bit size and tuning pin diameter? I’m a bit hesitant to do this as I was advised against reaming holes in old blocks by a manufactures tech rep and past journal editor </SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">I see Diamond brand offered by Pianotek has a 3 ½ .288 diameter pin.I ‘m considering using Diamond 3/0 ‘s and having the 3 ½ ‘s to use if necessary</SPAN></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">I’m all for experimenting here and will report my results, but any advice on this will be appreciated.</SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> Tom Driscoll</SPAN></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">P.S. Please refrain from the “why don’t you replace the block “argument. The piano plays well, stays in tune within reason, and will benefit from new bass strings in a home where the budget cannot consider a rebuild.</SPAN></FONT></P>
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