[pianotech] Oversized Tuning Pins vs. New Block

[William Monroe]

Re: [pianotech] Oversized Tuning Pins vs. New BlockWe just recently sent two of them out for finishing.  Did everything except stringing (block was installed and drilled, SB finished, bridges done) prior to refinishing.  Basically, all the really rough stuff was done.  Your refinisher loves you cause there's no plate in there, nothing to work around inside the rim, just has to protect the SB and Block.

When it comes back, the plate just goes in once, protect everything, and start stringing.  Throw in some guide rails and dampers, finish up the action, and you're in business.  It worked really well this time and seems like a nice compromise for me and for the refinisher.

William R. Monroe
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  For that matter, couldn't you complete your end of the deal and then send it to the refinishers?   Working around a newly refinished piano seems a little dangerous to me...

  David Ilvedson, RPT
  Pacifica, CA 94044


------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Original message
  From: "William Monroe"  
  To:  ,  
  Received: 2/9/2009 8:35:53 PM
  Subject: Re: [pianotech] Oversized Tuning Pins vs. New Block


  Dave,
    
  I'm no reference material, but I'm generally in favor of block replacement vs. oversize pins.  I do wonder about your concerns with having a block that has already been drilled going to the refinishers.  ???  Why is that a problem?  Other than perhaps wanting to let the block recondition to your shop upon return, what long-term damage would occur?  I mean, as far as lumber goes, the pinblock is probably the most stable part of the piano with changing humidity, no?  More or less, obviously, depending upon if it is a 5 ply, multi-lam, or Delignit style block.
    
  William R. Monroe
    


          I'm looking for some reference/article/quote that I can use (besides my own opinion) to reason/argue on why a Baldwin D should get a new pinblock w/ #2 tuning pins instead of an oversized pin job.  This is for a school district bid that specifies that the piano shall be in 'like-new' condition after work is completed.  
          It also requires refinishing of the case.  How can one ship a piano to a refinisher's shop for roughly a month having no control of humidity w/ an open-drilled block?  It's absurd!  I'm having a hard time finding something in print that can help me AND the piano.

          Dave Hulbert, RPT
          414.315.7763
          dave at hulbertpiano.com
          www.hulbertpiano.com 
         
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