[CAUT] reaming prior to oversize pins?

[Ron Nossaman]

Dr. Henry Nicolaides wrote:

> My prior experience rebuilding pianos generally was to replace (or shift 
> the pin block as referenced in the new book authored by Carl-Johan 
> Forss) the pin block since most were 50+ years old with evidence of 
> deterioration in some form.  

Or "shift"? I hope that's not what it sounds like.


> I would speculate the reaming may give a better consistency one pin to 
> another and may also elimanate any scoring caused by older pins.  I have 
> several pianos that the pins "jump" with some that are so tight I have 
> to extend the tuning lever all the way out and others almost move by 
> looking at them.  Keep the block and repin or replace the block?  

The wide range of results, some beyond the limits of 
acceptability in both directions, is a pretty good diagnostic 
indicator that saving the old block by your current methods 
isn't optimal. Reaming would possibly help, depending on a 
list of factors, or filling the block with epoxy and 
re-drilling. Either works better than brushing the holes, but 
each has it's own set of drawbacks.


>Budget 
> and time are obviously a concern.  I would prefer to put the time and 
> $'s into one more project...and when discussing these things with our 
> director it certainly has helped to have your opinions.

Replace the next block, double drill the pin installation, and 
you'll find a much more predictable and uniform job results.
Ron N