Strings riding up (was Tuning stability)

[Garret E. Traylor]

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<Half serious> Hummm... how about a new invention? Perhaps a type of micro
bridge pin that could be adjusted or turned down a quarter turn or so to
make up for the indentation. ..... ahh what the heck just give it a "Jolly
Roger" tap.  <couldn't help myself>.
Kindest Regards,
Garret
Garret Traylor
garret@highpointpiano.com
http://www.highpointpiano.com/pages/caut.html

  -----Original Message-----
  From: caut-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org]On Behalf Of David
Love
  Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 11:20 AM
  To: College and University Technicians
  Subject: Re: Strings riding up (was Tuning stability)


  I think the question that first needs to be asked is why do you need to
tap the strings.  The assumption is that the strings ride up on the bridge
pins.  Assuming positive bearing and proper bridge pin angles with a bridge
and pins in pristine condition that is not likely.  The reason tapping down
seems to make a difference, however, is important to examine.   Over time,
the strings cut into the bridge pins creating a small indentation or notch
in the side of the pin that the string tends to want to ride in.  At the
same time, compression on the bridge top (exacerbated by tapping down on the
strings) lowers the contact point on the bridge.  Unseating on the bridge
top tends to occur when the contact point on the bridge top is lower than
the indentation in the side of the pin.  Therefore, you are much better off
tapping down the bridge pin than the string.  Tapping down the string will,
at best, be a! temporary measure.  At worst, it can create a further
disconnect as the contact point on the bridge top is lowered due to further
compression of the bridge top.  Tapping down the bridge pin will at least
lower the indentation so that it more closely coincides with the existing
level of the bridge top.  Furthermore, false beats are usually a product of
loose bridge pins and a flagpolling of the pin which creates an oscillation.
Tapping down the pins and keeping the sting-pin contact point closer to the
bridge top will help this problem.  Better would be to treat the loose pin
with a few drops of thin CA glue.

  David Love
  davidlovepianos@earthlink.net
    ----- Original Message -----
    From:
    To: caut@ptg.org
    Sent: 3/31/2004 9:31:21 PM
    Subject: Re: Strings riding up (was Tuning stability)


    In a message dated 3/31/2004 10:04:57 PM Central Standard Time,
Tunapianer@aol.com writes:
      Is the termination seriously compromised or disturbed when the strings
are
      allowed to ride up on the bridge pins?  Aside from the obvious
weakened tone and
      potential false beats, are there long-term effects?  What if you never
tap
      them down?  How often to tap?  Sure messes up stability...

      Greg Soule
      Pensacola, FL
    Tapping strings should be done on an as needed basis. If you don't tap
the strings, it will, as you point out, create false beats, and it weakens
the tone. So why would you not tap the strings? As long as you use a brass
rod of some sort on the strings, I don't think you're going to compromise
the strings. Not only do I use a brass rod, I use a soft face hammer because
I think It reduces the impact of the rod on the string. However, I was
taught to always tap the strings on the bridge, not in front of the bridge.
This reduces the notching of the bridge.

    Wim
    Willem Blees, RPT
    Piano Technician
    School of Music
    University of Alabama

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