HOW IMPORTANT IS THE TUNING / WREST PLANK OF A PIANO?

The tuning plank (or wrest plank as it is sometimes called) of a piano is a treated and often laminated piece of timber that sits behind the iron frame. The tuning plank is the structural component that houses the tuning pins which are wound into the plank at a slight upward angle acting as an adjustable string base. In hot and dry climates such as those found in many parts of Australia, tuning planks are prone to dry out and cause tuning pins to become loose. For those looking to purchase a secondhand piano, the tuning plank is an important structural feature to take into consideration when making your purchase.

Below is a photo of the beginnings of a recent re-pin and re-string job to a baby grand 'Baldwin' piano. After having removed all the old tuning pins, we install the new pins with tuning pin installation powder to ensure a smooth tuning feel.