Pianotech

  • 1.  1977 Yamaha C3 Tuning Pin Bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-02-2026 14:55

    I'll be restringing a 1977 Yamaha C3 in the foreseeable future that has had the tuning pin field flooded with some kind of pin tightening solution.  The paint in the pin field area has been compromised.  I'll be wanting to replace the tuning pin bushings when I deal with this.  I believe the diameter of the bushings to be 13/32", but I don't know the height.  I have lots of the 7/16" height in the cupboard, which suggests they were probably too large for the two Yamahas I restrung some years ago.  The other sizes available from Schaff are 1/4" and 5/16".  Can any of you advise me on the thickness of the plate webbing on this piano?  I could just order both, but I'll try asking here first.



    ------------------------------
    Floyd Gadd RPT
    Regina SK
    (306) 502-9103
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: 1977 Yamaha C3 Tuning Pin Bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-02-2026 19:26

    Floyd, there was this discussion a few months back and Don Mannino reminded us that Japanese manufacturers use hardwood pin bushings and most American bushings are soft wood. Another thing to consider. Don't know about the size.



    ------------------------------
    Steven Rosenthal RPT
    Honolulu HI
    (808) 521-7129
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: 1977 Yamaha C3 Tuning Pin Bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-02-2026 20:37
    Order replacements from Yamaha.  Usually the Japanese ones are hard, and they come in different heights (9 - 11mm, maybe 1/2mm steps) .

    You might also consider checking and shimming the pinblock at the flange if it needs it, that might make the end result more stable.





  • 4.  RE: 1977 Yamaha C3 Tuning Pin Bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-08-2026 11:43

    I'm perplexed. 

    Why is there no discussion regarding the merits of undertaking a restringing on a piano that has been subject to the described conditions?

    And then there's Don's shimming advice.  I feel like it was himself that challenged the physical dynamics of stress on pinblocks using hard tuningpin bushings.  The direction of force on the block is toward the stretcher, being pivoted by the bushings in the pin field.  In theory, the precise fitting to the flange is irrelevant.  Don, did I miss something back then?



    ------------------------------
    David Skolnik [RPT]
    Hastings-on-Hudson NY
    (917) 589-2625
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: 1977 Yamaha C3 Tuning Pin Bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-08-2026 14:15
    David,

    From the factory, the hard pin bushings are drilled together with the pinblock.  Therefore the fit of the pin in the bushing matches the block, and the system is very stable.

    After a restringing with new tuning pins, especially of the bushings have been replaced with softer wood bushings, this integrity and consistency of fit can be changed, therefore I recommend shimming the block to make sure everything is sold.



    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: 1977 Yamaha C3 Tuning Pin Bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-09-2026 21:16

    What does everyone use for shimming material? Clarinet reeds and epoxy work well, but the reeds are rather pricey. 



    ------------------------------
    Sherry Johnson RPT
    RPT
    Clemmons NC
    (336) 624-3122
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: 1977 Yamaha C3 Tuning Pin Bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-09-2026 21:28

    Sherry, find a clarinetist or other single reed player, they buy them by the box and go through them quickly.



    ------------------------------
    Steven Rosenthal RPT
    Honolulu HI
    (808) 521-7129
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: 1977 Yamaha C3 Tuning Pin Bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-08-2026 16:07

    Mr. Gadd,

    Back in October of last year I restrung a 1965 Yamaha and used the soft 13/32" by 5/16" bushings from Pianotek.

     https://my.ptg.org/discussion/drill-or-no-drill#bmf3d684f0-d3cb-4f69-9944-0199f9861abe

    I did not drill the bushings, opting instead to drive the pins through while stringing. None of them split and while the block was tight to the plate flange prior to stringing; after stringing the block pulled away as it would presumably with the hard OEM bushings. I don't think the softer wood is likely to be an issue with the load distributed over 240 or so surfaces. I haven't had any stability problems with the tuning on this instrument though I suppose I should wait another 25 years or so before I declare victory.



    ------------------------------
    Karl Roeder
    Pompano Beach FL
    ------------------------------