In a message dated 97-04-08 19:31:16 EDT, you write: << I have heard this method mentioned many times in my years of tuning pianos, tuning the pin flat before going up in pitch as a means of reducing string breakage. I was wondering if any others also have personal experience or knowledge concerning this procedure as really being beneficial, or is this possibly one of those proverbial "wives' tales" handed down through the ages. Don't have a clue myself. Sincerely, Keith A. McGavern >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hello Keith & Listees: Let me put my vote in on this. I use an impact lever for all my pitch corrections...both up AND down. Verticals AND grands. I never tap it toward the flat side before raising the pitch. I never use any wd-40, McLube, etc., either. I have very few broken string encounters...but they do happen. Broken strings go with the territory! Caution the customer first, and let it fly. And may I add a blatant plug for the "Stringer" tool from Pianotek? I bought one in Dearborn last year and have had the opportunity to use it three times since then. (Twice on tenor strings in a drop action spinet). It works great and sure makes installing a new string a piece of cake. The only problem I have encountered (and this doesn't really reflect on the tool) is getting the new string(s) around the bridge pins when the pins are being blocked by either the keybed or the middle of the action assembly, and thus very hard to reach. Pianotek does supply a tool with the Stringer that fits in a combination handle for manipulating the string around the pins and this works well in most areas of the piano. So, I'm wondering what other techies do when trying to put a string on one of those beasties in that location...while the action is still in the piano (besides swear a lot, I mean). Stay Tuned! Mike Hoffman, RPT Marquette, MI
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