Pianotech

  • 1.  Refinishing the frame

    Posted 08-19-2022 11:02
    A number of places I've been reading indicate protecting the hitch pins when gilding (paint?) the frame.  I'm trying to figure out the rationale behind this.  I'm guessing that it may have something to do with not having the strings moving as the gilding gets crushed under tension.  Is there something else that I'm missing.

    Thanks for the comments.

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    Neil Vanderschaaf
    Round Rock TX
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  • 2.  RE: Refinishing the frame

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-20-2022 08:03
    I understand this to be entirely a matter of cosmetics. If the hitch pins came from the factory unpainted, or particularly if they appear to be plated, I will usually mask them off. If they are already painted, I will simply paint over them.

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    Floyd Gadd RPT
    Regina SK
    (306) 502-9103
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  • 3.  RE: Refinishing the frame

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-20-2022 09:15
    Chipping paint around the hitch pins is not all that attractive. The last couple of plates I've refinished I used heat shrink tubing on them to keep them separate. I kind of like the effect, even though the pins weren't plated.  I think I will continue to do that on future projects. 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor

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