Hi Joshua:
Using shims is a possible cure, as is CA glue. Both have worked over long periods of time IF the pinblock is still viable and not split. Sometimes the pins can be driven further into the block by a mm or two, but not more. If the block is splitting, that will only widen the cracks in the pinblock. A 15 year old piano should not have splitting unless there are some abnormal conditions around the piano, like a very strong source of heat to dry out the pinblock. The Boston is a good quality piano, so it is certainly surprising that it has got some problems. Since this isn't a factory warranty, you'll have to either accept the repairs by the seller, or perhaps return the piano if that is an option. I would personally allow him/her to try a pin or two and see if the CA glue makes it tunable. It has worked in many cases for many years without failure in all areas of the country. Shims were the cure in the past before the use of CA glue, and I've used them before. They do work, except in cases of a very old piano with a failed pinblock.
Ultimately you'll have to make your own decision whether to trust the seller or not. It's understandable that you are reluctant to accept a piano that is defective and won't hold a tune. But the proposed fixes are tried and proven within limits, and knowing that the piano and pinblock aren't terribly old, I wouldn't hesitate to allow the repair if otherwise you like the piano.
Paul McCloud, RPT
San Diego
Joshua Fialkoff
Hi all,
I recently bought a 2005 GP-193 Boston piano. A couple weeks after it was delivered I had it tuned. Not long after, I found it to be badly out of tune again. I brought in another technician who tuned it beautifully. A week later it was again badly out of tune. I mentioned this to the last technician, Pete, and he graciously swung by to have a look. Turns out that a number of the tuning pegs are loose. He counted at least 20. I have a 10-year warranty on this piano, and the seller is proposing to come by and fix it with CA glue. I'm feeling pretty wary of this remedy. It's a fairly young piano. I feel like using shims or CA glue shouldn't be necessary. Pete, my technician, has expressed concern about the integrity of the pin block, but he didn't find any cracks or noticeable defects in the wood. There were some odd marks on the bottom of the block, but we're thinking they're from machining. Anyways, I would greatly appreciate your guidance in navigating this situation. Is there a reason that CA glue is a reasonable solution in this case? If yes, why? If no, what is the right solution? Thanks in advance!
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Joshua Fialkoff
Albany NY
Original Message:
Sent: 3/19/2021 7:40:00 PM
From: Joshua Fialkoff
Subject: Loose tuning pins on new-ish Boston grand
Hi all,
I recently bought a 2005 GP-193 Boston piano. A couple weeks after it was delivered I had it tuned. Not long after, I found it to be badly out of tune again. I brought in another technician who tuned it beautifully. A week later it was again badly out of tune. I mentioned this to the last technician, Pete, and he graciously swung by to have a look. Turns out that a number of the tuning pegs are loose. He counted at least 20. I have a 10-year warranty on this piano, and the seller is proposing to come by and fix it with CA glue. I'm feeling pretty wary of this remedy. It's a fairly young piano. I feel like using shims or CA glue shouldn't be necessary. Pete, my technician, has expressed concern about the integrity of the pin block, but he didn't find any cracks or noticeable defects in the wood. There were some odd marks on the bottom of the block, but we're thinking they're from machining. Anyways, I would greatly appreciate your guidance in navigating this situation. Is there a reason that CA glue is a reasonable solution in this case? If yes, why? If no, what is the right solution? Thanks in advance!
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Joshua Fialkoff
Albany NY
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