[pianotech] oversize t.p. bushings

[John Voigt]

I am replacing a pin block in a Kimball grand.  The 7/16" O.D. tuning pin
bushings are too small to fit in the plate.  It looks like it would take
something like 15/32" or larger to fit tight.  I have considered just
leaving them out, but that seems like it would leave a lot of area for
collecting dirt and debris.

Does anyone know if there is something adequate available anywhere?  I am
not really interested in manufacturing my own.  As a last resort I could
just use what I have and try to orient the grain in the bushing so the
resulting crack hopefully ends up toward the strings and away from the
player so it is hopefully a bit less noticeable, but still tacky.  I tried
one this way (before the block is installed) and it makes a barely snug fit,
but the resulting gap as result of the cracked bushing is about 1/16".

I know there was some recent conversation about tuning pin bushings, but I
don't remember if this was covered.

Thanks for your input.


John Voigt