MMD > Archives > July 2007 > 2007.07.24 > 07Prev  Next


Pins for Barrel Piano Cylinder
By Craig Smith

George Kiriakidis asked where to get pins for a barrel piano cylinder.
George, as you might expect, the folks who made those Turconis are no
longer in business and neither are their suppliers.  So the answer to
your question is very simple.  You have to make the pins yourself.

If the pins are round (which is sort of odd) you can use small pieces
of brass rod that you cut to length and file (or hammer) to a point.
If they are not round, you have to make special wire.

Square wire can be bought fairly easily.  For rectangular wire, you
have to buy square wire and file it thinner or you can make it by
extruding it between two hard rollers.  Pick the method that is easier
for you with the tools at hand.

For barrel organ wire (which is rectangular with the shorter sides
slightly rounded) I start with round wire and squeeze it until it is
flat on two sides and slightly rounded on the shorter sides.  A bit
of a pain but the results look and work like the original.

Good luck with your organ,
Regards, Craig Smith


(Message sent Wed 25 Jul 2007, 01:34:13 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Barrel, Cylinder, Piano, Pins
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