Thanks to all for the input I have received Comments interspersed below From: RNossaman@KSCABLE.com (Ron Nossaman) << > Having radiators for heat, they won't have central air conditioning for > cool, so they won't have much in the way of dehumidification in summer. I > find that people usually only run window units when the room is occupied, > and the piano is nearly always in a room that isn't. It's almost surely a > climate control thing, making it the customer's problem. > > Ron N >> Ron Actually they also do have central air through a heat pump and separate duct work. As I said this is a very affluent 'hood. From: Billbrpt@AOL.COM >>Snip>> The Baldwin B and C series is an exception to this, however, in my book. This, in spite of some good words recently by Ron N. In my opinion, this was an attempt to build a cheap piano but have the long standing, generally good reputation of the name, Baldwin on it. >>Snip>> Bill, My experience with the B is about the same as yours, but I have never had this severe block problem with any Baldwin. It usually takes 7 yrs. to really be able to turn the pins. (slight exaggeration) From: diskladame@provide.net (Z! Reinhardt) Now I'm curious -- were the pins uniformly loose? Then I might assume a climate control problem. Or were they interspersed with good to tight pins? Then I might assume a warranty problem. No, the pins go from some sort of tunable maybe 50 in.lbs --the best to literally 0 in lb. you cannot remove the tuning hammer and have the pin stay. All the rest fall widely in between. My dilemma here is I feel the block should be replaced due to the major inconsistency from note to note. If I had to say-go to court-could I firmly say that this was not a humidity problem... No. Do I feel this problem is totally related to climate.....No. There is something very different here, but I just can't put a finger on it. I actually did call the dealer just to find out that it was a new piano purchase, serial number verification and relate my findings. They are a reputable Baldwin dealer. No more was said. Previous tuner examined the piano and "tried to tune" 3 weeks prior to me. He told owner the piano needs $3000.00 worth of work. I think that is why I was contacted. He made no mention of warranty. I usually take the client side, if I feel they are right beyond doubt. I don't think they have made any extra effort to deal with this problem beyond what I stated. I sort of feel like I should let them pursue the matter themselves. On the other hand I could just bring the piano into the shop and replace the block. Could be less hassle for everyone, but I also believe a piano with the Baldwin name should last more than 7 years. I concur with Terry & I made clear the humidity question. From: mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com (Farrell) Hey Ron. I agree with you that the owner has a climate control problem. But regardless - 0 in.-lb. torque? This sounds like a material and/or manufacturing defect to me. IMHO, I don't think any piano SHOULD be untunable in seven years in a residential environment - even without air-conditioning. Mark Ritchie RPT
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