Marcel, <<The hardest part of tuning I find is the guessing concerning the twisting of the tuning pins. I find that Asian pianos in general have smaller tuning pins than american made pianos. I also wonder if the steel used for pins might be a little softer. On some instruments, I have a hard time turning the pins. Now don't get me wrong, I'm strong enough to turn them, but the pitch will move " A LOT" before the pin actually turns in the block. For me this is the hardest thing to try to control. I wonder if there is a relationship between pin size +metal hardness and torque in the block. To me, softer or smaller pins would benefit less torque.>> I have been told that since the tuning pins are smaller (1/0), they are more prone to flagpole. Less diameter = more flex. I have the same problem with some of the Asian pianos I tune. Finding the right moves for these pianos is difficult, but I have resolved that I can only do my best. If I do my best, then I move on, and don't worry about inherent problems too much. For these pianos, I use a smooth method, and just wait for the pin to move the tiniest bit. After that, the string needs to be set, and on to the next one. John Formsma Blue Mountain, MS
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