Avery Todd, RPT., wrote: <<Since torque readings have come up, what IS a good torque reading?>> Good question. First - how to measure. ( If anyone does this differently, I would like to hear about your method.) Tune two strings of a unison beatless. Then with a square tip on a 1/4" drive torque wrench, one that reads from 0 to 200 inch pounds, or even a smaller torque range, slowly and gradually apply reverse torque to a pin, trying to make it go down in pitch. Watch the reading on the scale until you just hear the two strings start to detune. That is the reading I am looking for. I feel the minimum torque value for really sound tuning is perhaps 18-22 inch pounds, but it varies with diffferent pianos due to friction points. I have several customers with pianos in the 14-18 in/lb range and their pianos are solid, year after year. I think it is a combination of particularly good friction on the capo bar and the fact they play softly. I cannot remember seeing a piano with 12 in/lbs range that was tuneable. On the good side, I cannot remember a piano with torque readings above 25 in/lbs that was not tuneable. (because of torque) Good question - hope there is a lot of feedback. Bill Simon Phoenix
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