<html> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; = charset=iso-8859-1"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 10 (filtered)"> <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> List, 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. I usually use Denro = blued (.286) but I don’t remember ever repining a block that had tapered pins. 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 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   I’m all for = experimenting here and will report my results, but any advice on this will be = appreciated. = Tom Driscoll = 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. = = = = = </div> </body> </html>