[CAUT] Baldwin SD (agraffe refurbishing)

[Tim Coates]

Mark,

If you haven't read Revenko-Jones' article you should re-read it.  He 
doesn't suggest a "V".   It is the "U" that works.   Yes, a "V" will 
turn into a "U" as soon as a string is put to it.  But a "U" doesn't 
change as quickly.  I don't get any buzzes when I restring now.  And 
without specially plated agraffes.  Read the article again.  Use an 
"Optivisor" to really look into an agraffe.  You don't need to cut one 
apart to see the inside of the hole (although we did when working out 
the procedures).  I really believe that since the "U" is eventually the 
shape, it is better to start there and not encounter the buzzes from 
the small residue left from the string cutting into the "V".

The pulling of the string all the way from the agraffe back to the 
stringing underfelt is what makes a difference.  That is also how I 
lift strings on the speaking length of the string.  That's how I was 
taught.   Start at the agraffe:  lift and slide away from the agraffe.  
I don't just lift in front of the agraffe and call it good.  On all 
other pianos If you look at the string coming out of the agraffe to the 
stringing underfelt, it is sloping down.  I lift to make the string 
slope up out of the agraffe and slope up to the stringing underfelt 
almost with an "arch" to it.

I have not noticed it affecting (did I use the right word here? effect 
or affect) the speaking length lifted area.

Tomorrow I will be in the shop all day so I can get the website address 
for the polish used.  It is not the rouge most people use.  Also, you 
need to find a good candy store to stock up on "Tootsie Pops" and 
locate a grocery store that has "bamboo skewers".

Tim Coates


On Apr 6, 2006, at 1:46 PM, Mark Cramer wrote:

> Hi Tim,
>
> I believe I said "beware of... stringing felt," and I certainly don't
> "suggest" it. (but then my memory can be a fickle thing ;>)
>
> Lifting on the non-speaking side for voicing is an interesting thought
> though, and we know it works at the capo.
>
> Here's a question I think is worth keeping in mind:
>
> When we lift string on the speaking side, do we picture the string 
> "bending"
> or "rocking?"
>
> It's likely a little bit of both, which makes your point a good one, as
> lifting the speaking length may have lowered the non-speaking length.
>
> As for refurbishing agraffes Tim, I agree.
>
> Another question comes to mind though:
>
> How long does that nice crisp "hour-glass" profile last? IOW, does the 
> "V"
> shaped termination quickly become a "U" shape after a few tunings and 
> some
> string-lifting?
>
> (recall the capo argument a few decades back; "shape it to a knife 
> edge and
> let the string gently round it over")
>
> On that presumption, we've abandoned "recentering" to a crisp profile, 
> in
> favour of the rounded profile we get from shoe-shining with abrasive 
> cord.
>
> IOW, having yet to saw through an agraffe to prove this speculation, 
> we feel
> the rounded internal profile (optimally creating a seat wider than the
> string diameter) is closer to the profile the string will impress into 
> the
> brass over time. The thought being; this termination will last longer.
>
> Any comments?
>
> thanks,
> Mark Cramer,
> Brandon University
>
>
> Mark,
>
> You and I have talked about the problem with the agraffes before.  I
> have had limited success with lifting and thicker stringing felt as you
> suggest.  The buzzes still come back.  Although,  I have started using
> the lifting on the non speaking side of the agraffe as an important
> voicing tool.  The strings really come to life.  I have posted to this
> list before about lifting the non speaking segment but was totally
> ignored.
>
> It doesn't take a scientific mind to try it.  Just someone who knows
> not to pull the agraffe out of the plate.
>
> As I have stated several times the only sure fire method to get rid of
> the agraffe buzzes is to properly refurbish them.
>
> Jim Busby:  I have not ignored your post about the methods used to
> refurbish the agraffes.  I have not had time to put it together, as
> there are some items I need to clarify with my subcontracted labor (a
> PTG Associate).  At least at this point he is now willing to share his
> methods.
>
> Tim Coates
>