<HTML style="FONT-SIZE: x-small; FONT-FAMILY: MS Sans Serif"><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1251"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2800.1522" name=GENERATOR></HEAD> <BODY> <P> <DIV>Your assessment of "why" the strings broke, is right on IMO. My fix would be to pull the tuning pins in that area and install longer ones; put new strings on and leave the pin higher so that the angle would not be as steep. This, of course, would give the pin more "flag poling" feel, but, at least, the darned strings wouldn't be in a bind at the coils. There are many other "height impaired" pianos that have the same problem....Wurlitzers come to mind.</DIV> <DIV>Regards,</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Joe Garrett, R.P.T. (Oregon)</DIV> <DIV>Captain, Tool Police</DIV> <DIV>Squares R I</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <P></P></BODY></HTML>