"Setting the Pin" means to place the pin in a position so that when the hammer force is removed, the pin remains stationary.
This technique is often advocated in traditional courses and this lesson explains the reasoning why.
Note: At the time of this video we were not as critical of the setting pin technique. Now we know it is pointless to try and set the pin because it never is set; it always moves a bit after we let go. And in fact, with the most common pin setting technique we have proof that it doesn't set the pin.
Proof That The Pin Is Not Set Using the Common Go-Sharp-Ease-Flat Technique Which is Often Touted As the Best Way to Set the Pin.
Go sharp of target pitch.
Put hammer at 10 or 11 o'clock.
Ease pitch down.
This drops the pitch to the target and sets* the pin at the same time.
*Dropping the pitch produces a dangerously low NSL tension.
*If the pin was set, the NSL would remain low and this string would not be stable.
*If this technique produces a stable string (it often does), the NSL tension must have been increased somehow, but how?
*The only explanation is that the pin was NOT set. In fact, it did indeed move after the hammer force was removed; it untwisted clock-wise (tightening NSL) and unbent up (also tightening NSL).
Watch Lesson 12 and then...
