[CAUT] Wire Stretch

[Ron Nossaman]

> Hi Jeff,
> My intent, and I think Ron's, was that conforming to bearing points and 
> wood crushing was possibly/likely the cause of much of that first, rapid 
> pitch drop (after chip). I think elongation happens more over time, 
> unless one does something to speed it along (like tune 100 cents sharp, 
> or vigorously work the string). And even then, additional elongation 
> will continue to take place to some extent. I certainly didn't intend to 
> imply that elongation doesn't happen. 

Actually, I think the initial pitch drop is mostly wire 
elongation and conforming to bearing points, where long term 
pitch drop is primarily wood crushing. I don't think long term 
wire elongation is much of a factor at all, if any. I agree 
it's ridiculous that information about wire elongation seems 
to be such a valuable secret as to not be available. I'm 
trying to chase down some believable (official, recognized, 
sanctified) source of this information so we won't have to do 
this every year (he raves).

Meanwhile, Ed Foote posted an observation five or six years 
ago that a string replacement in an older piano is stable in a 
month, while a new piano is unstable for a year or more. That 
ain't strings stretching, folks.

I'll let you know if I find real pedigreed answers.

Ron N