----- Original Message ----- From: <atonal@telusplanet.net> To: <pianotech@ptg.org> Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 1999 7:38 AM Subject: Re: Accu-just Hitch pins - any time, any place! > 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. Baldwin can give advice on how these pins are used in Baldwin pianos. I'd be skeptical about any advice they were to give on retrofitting them to other pianos. > 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. A point worth repeating.... I use these pins because in certain applications I believe them to be musically advantageous. Those advantages are not great enough to use them at risk to the piano plate, but they are clearly there. > 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-). This advice is relative -- and fairly useless as it stands. And, of course, Baldwin does not follow it themselves. (Actually, while I was with the company, the rule of thumb on the stringing line was that there should be no less than 1/3 of the pin above the string. I.e., the string should be no more than 2/3 of the way up the pin. They didn't follow that rule either.) How high is the pin? If the pin extends above the plate surface by 8 mm (as ours typically do) this would put the string pretty close to the plate. In some cases it would touch -- not all plates are flat. If the pin extended 24 mm above the plate it would place the centerline of the string about 2.7 mm above the surface, which I consider to be a bit low. With a #21 wire this would leave a gap of just over 2 mm. That's pretty close. The length of the pin that extends above the string is not relevant. It is the distance between the plate surface and the string that matters. > 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. We do not only use them there, just most often. And I don't worry much about plate stresses when we do. We are a LOT more careful when they are used through the tenor section of the piano. > And > lastly, and most importantly, Dale Fox mentioned experimenting on > his own piano, not his customers pianos. This piece of advice always bears repeating. And it applies to many different techniques that have been, and are being, developed, not just to the idea of vertical hitchpins. I am a strong advocate of developing and trying out new ideas. But...these ideas should always be worked out on one's own pianos -- With the strong possibility that more than one or more of these may ultimately be discarded at one's own expense! -- until they are perfected. > 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/ ------------------------------------------------------------------- Rob, Thanks for pointing out the obvious -- that sometimes isn't so obvious. Regards, Del
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