Hey there
I have just purchased an 1880's John Brinsmead Grand Piano for a bargain basement price, the only catch being that the tuning pegs are an irregular shape. Instead of being square or oblong, they are octagonal, like a nut. I have searched the internet endlessly looking for a tool to tune this piano, with no avail.
Does anybody have a tool they no longer require or know anyone who may?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou!
Unusual Tuning Tool
Moderators: Feg, Gill the Piano, Melodytune
Re: Unusual Tuning Tool
won't one of the star interchangeable heads fit it?
New one on me.Are the wrest pins threaded in the metal of the frame?
New one on me.Are the wrest pins threaded in the metal of the frame?
Our mission in life is to tune customers--not pianos.
Any fool can make a piano-- it needs a tuner to put the music in it
www.lochnesspianos.co.uk
Any fool can make a piano-- it needs a tuner to put the music in it
www.lochnesspianos.co.uk
Re: Unusual Tuning Tool
bolts tend to be sexagonal
Our mission in life is to tune customers--not pianos.
Any fool can make a piano-- it needs a tuner to put the music in it
www.lochnesspianos.co.uk
Any fool can make a piano-- it needs a tuner to put the music in it
www.lochnesspianos.co.uk
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Gill the Piano
- Moderator
- Posts: 4032
- Joined: 25 Oct 2003, 19:39
- Location: Thames Valley
Re: Unusual Tuning Tool
It was Brinsmead's own design, and the crank came with the piano. Then got lost...I'm afraid you'll be very very lucky to find one. The star-shaped head doesn't fit those pins. You could try Bill on the History thread...but I wouldn't hold out too much hope! The pins are parallel to the keyboard - ie, horizontal - aren't they? Your only other option would be to find a friendly engineer who might make you a crank to fit. Thart's probably why you got the 'bargain basement price'.
I play for my own amazement... 
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willzi_0007
- New Member
- Posts: 4
- Joined: 10 Nov 2009, 01:58
Re: Unusual Tuning Tool
Yeah, im thinking I will probably have to get some form of engineer to make me something, but I would love to avoid that as much as possible if I could 
Keep the posts coming guys! I still have hope!
Keep the posts coming guys! I still have hope!
Re: Unusual Tuning Tool
the Brinsmeads had a sort of " machine head" like modern guitars at one time. My great uncle was the head rep for them tho' that doesn't help at all! I've never seen one of these.
Our mission in life is to tune customers--not pianos.
Any fool can make a piano-- it needs a tuner to put the music in it
www.lochnesspianos.co.uk
Any fool can make a piano-- it needs a tuner to put the music in it
www.lochnesspianos.co.uk
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willzi_0007
- New Member
- Posts: 4
- Joined: 10 Nov 2009, 01:58
Re: Unusual Tuning Tool
I have just had another look at photos and descovered that the bolts are hexagonal.. oops. But still, i need a tool to do the job!
Someone has told me that the tool came with the piano, and had its own little hiding place somewhere in the piano. As I havent had it delivered yet, I cant search it. But when I get it, I will do a massive search! Does anyone know where the tool was kept?
Someone has told me that the tool came with the piano, and had its own little hiding place somewhere in the piano. As I havent had it delivered yet, I cant search it. But when I get it, I will do a massive search! Does anyone know where the tool was kept?
Re: Unusual Tuning Tool
If they are hexagonal, you may be able to find a small hex socket in the correct size, and T bar handle to turn it.