[CAUT] pre-stretching new string?

[Paul T Williams]

I agree Wim,

That is exactly the same method I use.  When restringing a whole piano, 
however, I only tune sharp by 30-35 cents for three to four tunings, then 
tune at 440, then re-settle the strngs with tapping at bridges, re 
squeezing beckets, tightening coils, releveling, if needed, then tune 
again perhaps slightly above 440.  If it is the humid time of year, I'll 
just tune at 440 as nature will pull it sharp for a few months.  Then, 
it's pretty stable after that.

Best,

Paul





Wimblees at aol.com 
Sent by: caut-bounces at ptg.org
06/05/2007 06:02 PM
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Re: [CAUT] pre-stretching new string?






In a message dated 6/5/07 2:29:29 P.M. Central Daylight Time, 
Cramer at brandonu.ca writes:
In last month's discussion of wire stretch, someone mentioned pulling a 
new
string a semitone sharp to take care of any future stretch along all its
segments.

Is a 'semitone' overpull common practice for new (plain-wire) strings?

Would you do this as part of a full re-stringing as well, or is this just 
a
habit when trying to get a new single-string replacement stable?

I've never done so, but can't see the harm with fresh new wire. Anyone 
want
to educate me on the subject?

thanks,
Mark Cramer
Brandon University
Mark
 
When I put a new string on a piano, I over pull it one semitone. Then I 
tune the rest of the piano. Just before I leave, I drop the string to a 
couple of cents above the note, and tell the customer it will be sour for 
a few days, and to call me when she thinks it needs to be tuned again. For 
a concert, I would also pull it up, and let it sit there for as long as 
possible, then tune it. 
 
As far as restringing, what I've done is take the first note in the 
treble, and chip it a half step high. Then aurally chip the whole piano. 
By the time the strings stretch and with the weight on the board, the 
first note is already a full step low. I then use a string stretcher to 
get as much of the stretch out of the string. The first tuning I put on it 
is 25 cents sharp, just like a pitch raise. I treat each subsequent 
tuning, a day later, 2 days later 4 days later, and so on, as a pitch 
raise until the piano stays at A440. 
 
Wim 



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