Re. Why does a string go out of tune?

Wimblees@aol.com Wimblees@aol.com
Mon, 12 Apr 2004 00:08:37 EDT


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In a message dated 4/11/2004 9:13:11 AM Central Standard Time, 
claviers@nxs.net writes:
For what it's worth:  Friction is very high between strings and bridge
pins.  I have made measurements that indicate that it is necessary to
change the pitch of the speaking length of a string by 50 to 100 cents
before it will move at the bridge.  This means that no matter how hard you
pound, you will NOT equalize the tension between speaking lengths and
string tails.  You will break something before you can pound hard enough to
do that.  What you WILL do is cause it to move if it is about ready to move
anyway. 
Jim

You're very knowledgeable about this, but something doesn't quite make sense. 
First, I want to know how the speaking length of a string can be changed 100 
cents before the string moves on the bridge? At A4, that is a half step. I 
find it hard to believe a string can be raised, or lowered, a half a step without 
it moving over the bridge. 

Second, you say that with pounding, the string tension will not equalize 
between the speaking length and the tail section, unless it is about ready to move 
anyway. Are you saying the tension between those two sections will equalize 
if I just played the note softly? Then how come the pitch does change when I 
pound, or worse, it changes when the artist is playing the piano loud?

Wim 

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