<html> <body> Hi Dale - I posted this question to both lists and had a reply from Don Mannino on CAUT that explained it quite succinctly, so, without prior clearance, heeeeeeeer's DON! <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">Reverse Torque Tuning Pins is a marketing term (read, misnomer) for the concept of 'cutting' the threads into the tuning pins after plating, as opposed to rolling the threads into the pins or plating over the threads after cutting.  This cutting process causes the threaded portion of the pins to be slightly rough in one direction, but smooth in the other. The rough surface increases the pin torque in the pitch lowering direction (counter-clockwise), but it is smooth in the pitch raising direction (clockwise).  The result is that the effort in turning the pins is closer to being the same up or down in pitch, because the variation in torque is the opposite of the string tension. The relative benefit for tuning feel is, of course, a trade-off with longevity, as the rough pin does tend to chew at the wood a bit.  Since our actual rotation during tuning is small it's not much of an issue, but when changing strings it certainly can be.</blockquote> Thank you Don.  (Who remembers Lawrence Welk?) Dean - what do you or anyone else know about reverse crown boards, as a design parameter, as opposed to a bad hair day.  Perzina is apparently using this method in their uprights.  I spoke with one gentleman from the West Coast company that is distributing them - Piano Empire - but he is not an engineer.  I might be able to find out more if I get to MARC.  The one piano of their's that I heard sounded good, but I'm having trouble conceptualizing the principles. regards - David Skolnik At 11:18 PM 4/5/2007, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">  Hi David   What you mean reverse torque pin ? Reverse crown boards I know.  Reverse torque pins I do not. grin.   Dale <dl> <dd>List(s) - <dd>Can anyone tell me about or direct me to information about reversed <dd>torque tuning pins and the use of reverse crown soundboards?   Thanks <dd>David Skolnik <dd>Hastings on Hudson, NY </dl>    Dale Erwin--Piano Restorations 4721 Parker rd Modesto, Ca. 95357 Shop 209-577-8397 Web site <a href="http://www.erwinspiano.com/">http://www.Erwinspiano.com</a> Restoration & Sales of Steinway & Sons & other fine pianos. " Soundboards by Design" <hr> See what's free at <a href="http://www.aol.com?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000503">AOL.com</a>. </blockquote></body> </html>