First, i want to thank this forum for posting much info regarding hybrid pinblocks in the past, which inspired me to experiment in this direction.
After a year of R&D i came up with something totally new (at least i think so). I noticed that all the current pinblocks are just different lamination configurations of either Maple or Beech. My idea was to use a variety of species of hardwood so that the Janka hardness would gradually get less dense further down the hole. I use hickory (1800 hardness) as the top layer which is much harder than maple or beech. The feel is unexpectedly spectacular. The higher torque feels like its much less, I'd say 175lbf feels like 120lbf. Very smooth.
I was only making samples during the R&D and will be making my first full size double blank tomorrow. Now i understand the difficulty of building a press that doesn't warp under high pressure. My press now has the capability of 60 tons of pressure.
Oh, when i made the sample that i liked a lot, i nonchalantly said "This takes the sting out of tuning" hence the name Scorpion came up. LOL
I plan on making a couple at a time for now for my rebuilds, maybe up the production in a couple months if time permits.
-chris
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Chernobieff Piano Restorations
"Where Tone is Key"
chernobieffpiano.com
grandpianoman@protonmail.comLenoir City, TN
865-986-7720
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