Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

DIY Piano Tuning Pin Block

A piano tuning block is a small block of wood inside of the piano that holds the tuning threads taut so that the piano doesn't sound out of key. If you've bought a thrift store piano that's missing its tuning block, you can replace the item with a bit of know how. Use a block of wood from a building supply store to pull the tuning threads back in place, and your piano will sound sweet in no time.

Things You'll Need

Block of wood
Hand saw
Sand paper
Drill
4 screws

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a block of wood in a strong material, like beech or maple. Cut the block to about 1 foot long and 4 inches wide, making sure it is at least 3 inches deep. Use a hand saw to make the cuts, or have the block cut to size at the building supply store.
- 2
  Drill one hole into the top of the block for each string that will be attached. Use a 1/4 inch drill bit to make the holes, and make sure the holes are evenly spaced apart.
- 3
  Smooth down all surfaces of the block with a fine grit sand paper, removing any rough spots or splinters.
- 4
  Twist a tuning pin into each hole, using pins with a 1/4-inch diameter. Find these at specialty musical shops.
- 5
  Attach the block to the tuning block panel inside the piano, located just behind the keys in the body of the instrument. Attach using a drill and four 4-inch screws, placing one screw at each corner of the block.
- 6
  Wrap the end of each tuning string around one of the pins, twisting the string as tight as possible. Wrap the free end of each string under the coiled part of the string to secure it in place.

Other Hobbies