Nick,
We recently "took it to the next level" in the realm of center pin and paper punching storage, with an idea that came my way from Neema Pazargad (who got it form Don Mannino, RPT, at a Kawai seminar). There are some inexpensive storage containers, available at many hobby stores, which seem to have been made with center pins and paper punchings in mind (even though they weren't!).
One of them has a release that slides sideways, allowing access to any or all of the individual compartments, but highly unlikely to unlock except when you want it to. One "feature" where our usage is concerned is the curved slope side of each compartment, making it easy to put your finger on a single center pin or paper punching and slide it up the side for easy removal. (Which is easier than grabbing the object with one's fingers and lifting it out.) Also relevant to our usage is the fact that, when closed, center pins and paper punchings cannot migrate from their particular compartment to a neighboring one, without the aid of any kind of shim, even if you turn it upside-down and shake it.
Another option is an item with similar features, which appears to be made by the same company. This is a "pills for the day" type of container. The advantage of this version is that each compartment opens independently of the others. This can be a definite plus, and is not a problem if the container is kept on a shelf, or stored neatly in a box. If, however, it is amidst a jumble of other stuff, the compartments can open when their individual tabs come into contact with other objects. Ask me how I know! (At least paper punchings are color-coded. Center pins require extensive measurement with a caliper, preferably done by an assistant!)
We used to use one of those larger units with many more compartments, and a shim, to hold all of the various paper and cardboard keypin punchings. However, we find it handier to use these smaller containers, made possible by segregating out the punchings (balance from front punchings, and "American" punchings from those for Yamahas and others).
Alan
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Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-18-2018 16:56
From: Nicholas Litterski
Subject: Punching Organizer
Hi folks,
I'm wondering if anyone has come up with a great system for organizing all those paper and cardboard punchings.
Seems that a box would need to have ten compartments, one for each of the five cardboard and paper sizes, and you would need two boxes total, one for balance and one for front rail punchings. So far I've been just keeping all the ripped bags in a box and pulling them all out and spreading on a surface, but thinking there might be a better way.
I'm off do to my own research and will post here if I find something that works. Specific links or product names would be great!
Thanks...on the level,
Nick
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Nicholas Litterski, RPT
Austin TX
512-573-8920
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