Baldwin Pinblocks

[C. Mike Swendsen]

At 10:39 PM 2/22/96 -0700, you wrote:
>I've recently learned from two major rebuilders in this area that the
>Baldwin 32 ply pinblock used in their grands is the first thing they replace
>if they have to do anything involving restringing because they are prone to
>have jumpy tuning pins.  The resourcenol soaked plys do indeed generate a
>less than smooth feel to the pin, and the block will indeed most likely out
>last anything else out there, but is the jumpyness of the tuning pin,
>commonly found in the Baldwin 32 ply pinblock pianos so different than that
>found in the difficulty in tuning any other brand such as Steinway, Kimball,
>Mason & Hamlin, and the like??  Is the issue of jumpy pins so prevalent in
>the Baldwin 32 ply pinblock when restrung, that the pinblock should be
>replaced with something other than original, at the first or slightest
>oportunity??  Inquiring minds want to know!!
>
>Lar
>
>                           Larry Fisher RPT, Metro Portland, Oregon's
>                      Factory Preferred Installer for PianoDisc Products
>                     phone 360-256-2999 or Email larryf@pacifier.com
>                            If at first it doesn't fit, get a bigger hammer
>
>
>Larry

I used to have the same problem when repinning into delignit pinblocks.  The
problem seems to be solved if the tuning pins are dipped in a little bit of
varnish beford driving them in.  The pins hold very well and render nicely.