[pianotech] Tuning pin torque?!?!?

[Nick Gravagne]

Really, my friends on the list; this thread has now passed the point of
Jame's simple inquiry for input RE tuning pin torque and is about to
spin out of control. Where else should he go to get a simple answer to a
simple question? 

 

As I read Jame's post I read four simple sentences: 

 

1) I have recently purchased several new pianos and discovered during
the initial tunings what I believe to be minimal tuning pin torque. 

 

2) The pins feel "spongy" and difficult to set. 

 

3) Is there an industry standard for pin torque, and if so, what should
that torque value be in inch pounds? 

 

4) Any data on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

 

If we ignore question 1, then the following three sentences and
questions cannot be clearer.

 

Certainly, all those who would like to know the make and model of these
"new pianos" James has purchased make excellent points; and yes
inquiring minds do want to know. But anyone can see that Mr. Williams
has personal reasons why he doesn't wish to share this piece of
information. Whether we agree with what we hypothesize are his reasons
for silence is not the issue. 

 

Why not respect his wishes and simply answer the uncomplicated questions
he has put forth to a technical community best informed to do so. As it
is, I am less curious as to the make of pianos as I am to the dearth of
answers RE torque. I read only one post with an answer --- David Love's.

 

I agree more or less with David: 

 

"Probably about 60 lbs is minimum but on a new piano you'd like to see
around 90 - 120 but there is quite a range." 

 

Yes there is quite a range, but as practical tuners with thousands of
tunings under our belts, we also know that there is a "tunable range"
and on either side of this range the piano is "un-tunable". I also
prefer the 100 lb. range (plus or minus), but Mr. Williams has told us
of an exceedingly low torque. Surely no one would insist that Yamahas,
for example, tune best at 75 lbs, or that Steinways must exceed 150 or
there is no hope; the point being that the make of these pianos is not
critical to the simple questions put forth.

 

If we must insist on the make of these pianos, or guess as to Mr.
Williams' reasons for silence, we should start another thread.

 

Respectfully,

 

 

Nick Gravagne, RPT

Piano Technicians Guild

Member Society Manufacturing Engineers

Voice Mail 928-476-4143

 

  _____  

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech.php/attachments/20100224/26ca12a3/attachment.htm>