[pianotech] What is the brand name was Re: Tuning pin torque?!?!?

David Ilvedson ilvey at sbcglobal.net
Wed Feb 24 19:00:19 MST 2010


Which Chinese built piano was it?

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "Nick Gravagne" <gravagnegang at att.net>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Received: 2/24/2010 10:09:13 AM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Tuning pin torque?!?!?


>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

> 

>  _____  


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