Scaling questions

[Mark Dierauf]

>>I was just looking for some tips on how to figure plain wire sizes in the
tenor >>region

  If there is any foreshortening of the speaking lengths in the low tenor, then
changing wire sizes will only improve tension at the expense of inharmonicity,
or vice-versa. Look at the sweep of the bridge and agraffe line in this area. If
the bridge or agraffe line curves back toward the strike-point, then the
tensions will fall and the inharmonicities will rise - and using wound strings
is the only way to manipulate both these properties independently to best blend
in with the strings above and below this section.

>> since using a set tension of 160-180 lbs. gives undesirable results.

  I'm not sure what you mean by 'undesirable results', but if you mean tonal
quality, tunability, and pitch stability, then you need to be looking at more
than just the tension.

                  Mark Dierauf
                  Concord, NH

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