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MMD > Archives > August 2011 > 2011.08.13 > 04Prev  Next


Player Piano Won't Hold Tuning
By Cameron Dean

[ Mark Goodman wrote in 110812 MMDigest (Loose Tuning Pins):

> I doped the block with a thin super glue and they are tight now.
> However, the tenor section (2nd last to the top) always goes out
> before the rest.

"Juicing the pinblock" ultimately destroys it!  "Garfield's" or like
products should not be used these days and pounding the pins down isn't
the answer either -- it changes the geometry ratio, etc.  Thin super glue
doesn't harm the pinblock at all and is a solid solution; it does work!

The best is called CA glue.  I think you can order it from Pianotek.
To apply in a grand piano remove the piano action and lay plenty of
newspapers in the keybed to catch the excess that comes out.  Put it in
a small bottle with a thin tip and apply generously around the tuning
pins.

You will be able to tell how much is enough once you start the process.
Once it sets you can do a couple more applications.  I would wait 24
hours, until it sets up, then repeat as necessary.

Thoughts on the section not holding tune:  All of the strings should
be seated both at the back hitch pin and also the bridge pins.  Take
a piece of brass filed flat and tap them with a screwdriver to "seat
them" against the plate.  This should remedy the instrument staying
tune for a much longer time.

I'm surprised your tuner hasn't already done this.  Every 3 to 5 years
this should be done (at least).  Also, since it has been restrung at
some point, the absolute most important thing that can be done is to
squeeze the "beckets".  This is the bend where the wire comes back out
of the tuning pins.  If this is rounded or loose and not tight then if
your the best concert tuner in the world the piano will never stay in
solid tune.  Some things to think about...

Cameron Dean


(Message sent Sat 13 Aug 2011, 16:01:28 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Hold, Piano, Player, Tuning, Won't

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