CAUT

Hello list, Austin TX
512-292-3663
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Hi, Jeff:
    I'm no expert, and there are instructions out there that explain step by step how to adjust those hitch pins.  The only advice I can think of is to mark the pins where the old strings were.  If I can find the instructions, I'll forward them to you.  I really don't see the need to reinvent the wheel, if you can help it.  Just put the new strings where the old ones were.  Now, if you've already taken them off...
    
    Paul

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Paul McCloud, RPT
Accutone Piano Service
www.AccutonePianoService.com
service@accutonepianoservice.com
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-25-2011 13:47
From: Jeff Farris
Subject: Baldwini Accu-just Hitch Pins


Hello list,

I'm wondering if anyone has tips for restringing a Baldwin with Accu-just Hitch Pins accurately, yet speedy, as far as locating the wire on the pin when putting the new wire back on. 

Thanks in advance
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Jeff Farris

Austin TX
512-292-3663
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Jeff,

Here are the instructions posted to CAUT or PIANOTECH in 1997 by Ron Nossaman (I think)....
I'm not sure if they are pianotech archives, I just keep this file for reference just in case. I sold
my SD10 and did not restring it, so I might not be doing any more accujust jobs, but here it is
re-posted 2011 incase it got lost somewhere. I just sent this up to a rebuilder working on an SD10
for another college. Good to have!

Good luck with your Baldwin,

Richard


1-29-1997
TS039D

PROCEDURE TO ESTABLISH PROPER DOWN BEARING OF STRINGS ON BRIDGES OF BALDWIN
GRAND  PIANOS DESIGNED WITH HOLLOW VERTICAL (ACU-JUST) HITCH PINS

These conditions must exist before bearing can be established:

1.All strings associated with the treble bridge must be in place,  (Bass
strings to be installed later.)

2.  These strings must be tuned to A-440 pitch.

3.  All strings on the treble bridge must be set at proper height on their
hitch pins to read zero (0.0) bearing at the bridge.  Follow this procedure;
begin at treble end of treble bridge with note #88 and work toward bass.
Lift wire and raise tension of the strings on the first ten (10) notes,
Then raise wire and adjust tension of the next ten (10) notes and proceed on
until all wire is adjusted in this manner on the treble bridge.

Procedure for string height adjustment.

1.  Become familiar with bubble gage adjustments and application as shown
with the attached illustrations,
2.  With strings at normal tension, begin with strings at the bass end of
the treble bridge and work toward the middle,  Set bearing values as shown
in the following chart on specified notes only.  Tap the string down by
placing the tool over the hitch pin, resting on the wire,  with the bubble
gage held onto proper strings with the magnet built into its base, tap the
setting tool with a small hammer to lower the string to achieve a proper
bubble gage reading.  If the string is too low, raise the string, using a
coil lifter and leather or felt to protect the plate finish.

Scale              SA(5'2")  ST(5'8")  SC(6'3'')  SF10(7'0")  SD10(9'0'')
Notes to be set    27-44     27-43     23-40      21-39       21-35
Bubble Deflection  1 divis.  1 divis.  1 divis.   1 divis.    1 divis.

3.  After strings associated with the notes which were adjusted in the
preceding operation have been set, proceed on with notes listed in the
following charts.

Scale              SA(5' 2")  ST(5'8")  SC(6'3'')  SF10(7'0")  SD10(9'0")
Notes to be set    45-53      44-53     41-53      40-53       36-53
Bubble Deflection  2 divis.   2 divis.  2 divis.   2 divis.    2 divis.

Scale              SA(5'2")   ST(5'8")  SC(6'3")   SF10(7'0")  SD10(9'0")
Notes to be set    54-88      54-88     54-88      54-88       54-88
Bubble Deflection  3 divis.   3 divis.  3 divis.   3 divis.    3 divis.

4,  Install bass strings and set at zero bearing,  Then adjust bearing
according to the following chart.

Scale              SA(5'2")  ST(5'8")  SC(6'3")  SF10(7'0")  SD10(9'0")
Notes to be set    1-26      1-26      1-20      1-20        1-20
Bubble Deflection  1 divis.  1 divis.  1 divis.  1 divis.    1 divis

5.   Retune piano to A-440 pitch.

CONCLUSION:

1. Bearing adjustments should only be made when the piano is maintained
under proper climatic conditions.  (Humidity 35% - 45% with temperature 70 -
75)

2. The procedure and bearing gage must be applied in the order established.

3. A bearing value, previously set, cannot be rechecked because the
accumulated force of all strings on the bridges will lower the soundboard
and reduce the settings which were originally set.

4. Pianos equipped with the vertical (Acu-Just) hitch pins are designed to
function with a minimum positive bearing at the bridges, compared with other
pianos with string rests and angled hitch pins.

*Hand written note at bottom: 1 div. = .005" shim thickness with a Baldwin
Rocker Gage.


------------------  Page 2 -----------------------------


  Bubble reading to Degrees to Bearing Load conversion
  for Lowell and Baldwin downbearing gauges.




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Richard Adkins
Piano Technician
Cedar Rapids IA
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-25-2011 13:47
From: Jeff Farris
Subject: Baldwini Accu-just Hitch Pins


Hello list,

I'm wondering if anyone has tips for restringing a Baldwin with Accu-just Hitch Pins accurately, yet speedy, as far as locating the wire on the pin when putting the new wire back on. 

Thanks in advance
-------------------------------------------
Jeff Farris

Austin TX
512-292-3663
-------------------------------------------

Dear Folks,

    I've got the full Technical Specs from Thomas Malone/Baldwin. This is a little more complete than the previous post. Much the same, but full info on the use of the Lowell-Guage for the job. Am also including the plate-setting and stringing guides (...which include the direction to use Vaseline on the string bearing). Interesting stuff, although the second two are minimal.  For your archives, and the CAUT archives too. 

    This is where our new forum, and the ability to easily place folders online pays off.
    Hope this helps our re-stringer/rebuilder!

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Jeffrey T. Hickey, RPT
North Bend OR
tunerjeff@aol.com
Portland Chapter #972
******** Where are we Going and WHY am I in this Handbasket!? ********
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Jeff Farris: "I'm wondering if anyone has tips for restringing a Baldwin with Accu-just Hitch Pins accurately, yet speedy, as far as locating the wire on the pin when putting the new wire back on. "

I'll just add that the Wixey gauge reads in 0.1 degree increments. I figured that one bubble division on Baldwin would be close to 0.3, two bubbles just under 0.6, and three between 0.8 and 0.9 degrees, with the resolution of the Wixey. You set the Wixey on the speaking length, zero it, then read how much different the back scale is. It is touchy at 0.1 resolution, so precise zeroing may not be practical, as pushing the button influences things. So just compare the readings. It is important to hold the gauge carefully on the string, at the same angle and with the feet consistently well seated on the string. After a bit of practice, that wasn't a problem, but it does take care. I think the main thing to keep in mind is that the Baldwin is designed for low DB. Keep it low.

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Fred Sturm
fssturm@unm.edu
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The Wixey holds on with a magnet.
If you have a Lowell gauge, remove the bubble level and attach a small iron plate to the base, and you have a Wixey with adjustable feet to stand on the wire.

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Ed Sutton
Editor
Piano Technicians Journal
ed440@mindspring.com
704-536-7926

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Original Message:
Sent: 05-28-2011 08:52
From: Fred Sturm
Subject: Baldwini Accu-just Hitch Pins

I'll just add that the Wixey gauge reads in 0.1 degree increments. I figured that one bubble division on Baldwin would be close to 0.3, two bubbles just under 0.6, and three between 0.8 and 0.9 degrees, with the resolution of the Wixey. You set the Wixey on the speaking length, zero it, then read how much different the back scale is. It is touchy at 0.1 resolution, so precise zeroing may not be practical, as pushing the button influences things. So just compare the readings. It is important to hold the gauge carefully on the string, at the same angle and with the feet consistently well seated on the string. After a bit of practice, that wasn't a problem, but it does take care. I think the main thing to keep in mind is that the Baldwin is designed for low DB. Keep it low.

-------------------------------------------
Fred Sturm
fssturm@unm.edu
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