> were installed. In both cases the plate broke off at the hitch pin line > before the piano was even up to pitch. These failures were back when > Accu-just hitch pins had just been introduced, but the pianos currently being > "upgraded" with new pins were not designed for this type of replacement. > There is not only degradation of the plate strength due to removal of > material, but also the leverage effect of not having the strings sit at plate > level. Any other disasters out there? > Bill Your point is well taken regarding the cavalier attitude towards hitch pin replacement (I made one of the comments). However, I did not endorse installing hitch pins with no thought whatsoever. I recommended ordering from Baldwin, who also can supply advice as well as parts. Furthermore, when I'm attempting a retrofit like this, I make darned sure that this is the proper repair for the problem, and get lots of feedback from others regarding procedure. Jon has done just that, and chosen not to install those hitch pins to cure bearing problems. Also, it was pointed out that when using this type of hitch pin (Accu-just, or whatever trade name-du-jour you want), the string should never sit higher than 1/3 of the height of the hitch pin. This advice I've also received from Baldwin Tech Service because of plate stress problems (maybe they know what they're doing, maybe someone just answered the phone and gave me that advice 8-). Good advice has also been given on list postings regarding staggered placement of the hitch pins, to offset linear stress of the old hitch pin line. Del has mentioned replacing only the bass section, where the plate is thicker, and bearing adjustments can be made with the greatest effectiveness. And lastly, and most importantly, Dale Fox mentioned experimenting on his own piano, not his customers pianos. Sometimes when we make these posts, we don't write an entire essay on the pro's and con's of every job, but we will try to explain advice in a more complete manner next time. Regards, Rob Kiddell RPT Atonal Piano Service http://www.telusplanet.net/public/atonal/
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