Tight Tuning Pins

[larudee@pacbell.net]

Terry,

I had the same problem with a rebuilt Mason & Hamlin grand.  Average around 160
inch/pounds and some over 200, as you said.  The piano is used regularly as a
performance instrument.  I slipped the coils off each pin, turned it in one full
turn, out three, back two, put the coil back on and pulled to tension.  Ended up
with torque at 75-90 inch/pounds, some as low as 70 and some over 100.

How did I know how much to turn?  I tested a few in various places and was
conservative to start with until I found what worked.  As you might expect, the
pins got pretty warm, which is probably what did a lot of the work.  It didn't
end up as consistent as I would like, but definitely an improvement.  Expect a
12-16 hour job, including tuning.

Paul Larudee

Farrell wrote:

> I tuned a 1908 Shaw upright 56" monster yesterday.  Someone restrung the
> bass and put all oversized pins in (all sections have oversized pins). Many
> are way over 200 inch-pounds torque. I spent two hours putting what is
> likely the crappiest tuning I have ever given a piano on that %$#&ing  - my
> arm is still in ice! Is there any reasonable treatment for too-tight tuning
> pins on an old piano? A little WD-40? How about pin tightener - apply, wait
> 20 years (or until whenever I retire), and tune!? This thing is impossible
> to tune well. I can put an acceptable tuning on a new 1098 or a new Baldwin
> with the plastic pinblocks - but this thing - impossible! Should I recommend
> that we sit there and twist each pin a full turn back and forth 300 times
> before the next tuning? Anyone interested in doing this for me? Any
> solutions (she is in love with the piano - I already suggested that she
> consider replacement of instrument)? Thanks.
>
> Terry Farrell