Pianotech

  • 1.  tuning pin size

    Posted 06-02-2021 10:37
    hello All,
    i am in the process of rebuilding a Chas M. Stieff from 1928 that i obtained in 2008. It has size 2.0 tuning pins.  The pin block looks in good condition (no cracks or such to be seen on the outside).
    What size tuning pins should i use:  size 4.0 or size 3.0 ?
    thank you,
    Peter

    ------------------------------
    Petrus Janssen
    Peachtree City GA
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: tuning pin size

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-02-2021 12:49
    Petrus

    It all depends on the torque of the majority of the pins that are in there now. If they are marginally tight, 50 - 75 inch lbs, then I would go to 4/0 pins. But if the torque is above 75 you can probably use 3/0 pins. The nice thing now, is that even if you use 3/0 and it's just not tight enough, you can put in a couple of drops of CA glue.

    ------------------------------
    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: tuning pin size

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-02-2021 20:54
    Peter,

    I like the Lo-torq pins. Expensive, but they come in 3 1/2 size and with the 2/0 size firvthe coil usually solves about all the problems. 

    Pwg

    ------------------------------
    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: tuning pin size

    Posted 06-02-2021 21:26
    Hello Peter. 
    What is the difference between the normal and the lo-torq pin, other than that it comes in a 3.5 size?
    Thank you  
    Peter

    ------------------------------
    Petrus Janssen
    Peachtree City GA
    678-416-8055
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: tuning pin size

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-03-2021 08:33
    The business end in the PB is oversize (like normal) but the coil end is 1/0 or 2/0 depending on what configuration you want. This reduces both the torquing at the coil AND reduces the relative need for extra tightness in the PB. 

    They are quite good (and come in half sizes too). 

    Pwg

    ------------------------------
    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: tuning pin size

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-03-2021 11:42
    As mentioned it's basically a #2014top and a #3.5 (.288") bottom so the only enlarged part is the part actually in the block.  Otherwise the area of the coil and the head for the tuning tip remain the same.  That keeps the coils closer to the center of rotation and the head more user friendly.  If you've ever tuned a set of 5/0 pins you know what I'm talking about.  They come in three basic sizes with #2 top: 3.5 (.288"), 4.0 (.290") and 4.5 (.292").  I use these almost exclusively for restringing into an old block that had 2/0 pins.  Often I find 3/0 are not quite tight enough an 4/0 are too much.  I only reuse a pinblock once.  After that I replace it.  They only come 2 3/8" length and only blued.  Made by Klinke. 
     ​​​​

    ------------------------------
    David Love RPT
    www.davidlovepianos.com
    davidlovepianos@comcast.net
    415 407 8320
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: tuning pin size

    Posted 06-03-2021 12:16
    I suppose they help to reduce the tuning pin from rubbing on the backside of the hole in the pin string frame.

    ------------------------------
    Regards,

    Jon Page
    mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
    http://www.pianocapecod.com
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: tuning pin size

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-04-2021 11:53
    You may be able to get nickel lo-torq pins directly from Paul Larudee. I bought some last February. Maybe he has a large stock pile?

    Joe Wiencek




  • 9.  RE: tuning pin size

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-04-2021 13:04
    That would be new to me if they come in nickel.  I usually use blued anyway but there are times when a nickel pin is needed for various reasons so that's good.  I'll check with Paul.

    ------------------------------
    David Love RPT
    www.davidlovepianos.com
    davidlovepianos@comcast.net
    415 407 8320
    ------------------------------