Tuning pin tightness (TPT) of new and rebuilt pianos has progressively increased in recent years, making it harder to tune them, and resulting in less tuning stability.

Tuners are reluctant or unmotivated to talk about hyper-tight tuning pins, but there's a lot to be explored. There's a lot that can be addressed.

Have you ever asked yourself questions like, "Did older pianos have less TPT and if so, whose problem is it to deal with?

In this lecture, larry will bring this problem into the open so that piano technicians are less reluctant to discuss it.

He'll demonstrate how pianos with high TPT can’t be fine-tuned as well, aren't as stable, and don’t hold tunings well.

He goes on to discuss the idea of reforming TPT standards or using inventions designed to overcome the problem in future products.

The most important thing in tuning is stability, but it can only be achieved by sorting out the right from wrong ideas about pins and how they function.

The Tuning Pin Masterclass addresses a hidden problem that most piano technicians are wary of publicly discussing. The session will be divided into three parts. In the first section you’ll see a Powerpoint presentation created for a 2016 Tuning Pin Symposium. Secondly, a review of what the Symposium accomplished - what was learned from it, the resulting articles in the Piano Technicians Journal and reactions to the articles. Finally will be a look at the possibilities for overcoming the problem of excessively tight tuning pins, and suggestions for how attendees can play a role in making this come about. Those attending will also learn or review how to measure tuning pin torque on pianos and the reasons for and value of taking these measurements.