Yes, Wim, you will find some Steinways with braid in the lower parts of the duplex scale. The common assumptions about the function of the rear duplex is, in my opinion, replete with fallacies that are too involved to elaborate on here. For my part, I would braid those portions of the lower duplex that you found braided. Also, check to make sure all of the string tails are resting firmly on the rear duplex bars. Once in a while, you may find one or two that are just barely touching, and if that happens, they will buzz and make funny noises. In order to fully understand what, in my opinion, are those fallacies I alluded to, you have to go back and study the original 1872 patent, the subsequent patents, all of which have now expired, and the evolution of the whole idea. You will find that the current concept does not necessarily correspond to C.F.T. Steinway's original idea. Jim Ellis
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