I wrote the featured article (five pages) in the Piano Technicians
Guild Journal, January 2001, and the subject was repinning (installing
larger tuning pins).

As I looked back in the PTG archives, it was strange to me that no one
had ever written an article on that subject ever.  I believe it's
because they were afraid to deal with criticism that may come their way
from some of the most respected who were of the view that the only
"right" way to do the job is to completely rebuild the entire piano.

I would agree, a new pin block is the best solution for loose tuning
pins.  The original pinblock may be old but it is well protected from
the elements, sealed and supported on the front back and much of the
top and bottom.  If the original pinblock is deteriorated beyond a
certain point that piano should not be repinned.  My best guess is 1%
of piano technicians have successfully changed an upright pinblock in
their lifetimes.

The old pinblock would have to be removed with a plunge router, in most
instances, and fitting an upright pinblock is more difficult than it
would be to do so in a grand piano.  The cost of the work can often
exceed the value of the piano.  If anyone wants a copy of my PTG article,
I will send it to you.

Liquids like "Pin-Tite" or thin viscosity cyanoacrylate [CA] adhesive
can work "wonders" in a cost effective way.  However, the only written
guarantee I could give a customer for the above mentioned work is to
put in writing, "There is no guarantee."  I would also put in writing,
"You have chosen the 'cost effective' approach which is a good solution,
but not the best solution for loose tuning pins."

Bruce Clark is right, in my view, about assuming that the results of
workmanship are based upon the amount of money spent.  There are people
who tout themselves as RPTs in the Piano Technicians Guild, or proclaim
they once worked for Steinway.  These type of credentials are often
marketed as a way to get work and higher prices.

The experience of the above-mentioned people may be vastly different
from the skills required for rebuilding.  Good business people focusing
on sales and marketing and people skills more than on the technical
aspects, can get higher prices for their work as well.

My price for repinning is $800 including string spacing, hammer filing
and all tuning.  One of my customers turned down my offer and went with
a competitor for $2000 because they had a Steinway and he once worked
at Steinway.

Am I jealous?  All right, I'll admit -- maybe just a little.

Bill Maguire