Richard asks:
<< Questions:
<<What causes strings to be un-level?
Cumulative error in agragges, their holes, and their drilling
>>Why should we be concerned now, when we weren't in the past?
Whadda ya mean, we?
>>If you level strings, can I hear the difference before and after?
Yes, once you have become familiar with the "out of phase) sound of
unlevel
>>If the wire is elastic, how can bending it to make it level, last for
any length of time?
The bend has exceeded the plastic deformation limit on the outside of the
wires curvature. It will not return on its own.
>>In manipulating the wire to make it level, is there a risk of kinking it
which might be detrimental to the harmonic profile?
Yes, but the detriment is far less than the unlevel.
>>The history student asks, What are the primary sources on this subject?
Experience
>>Is string leveling a concern of the manufacturer, and re-stringer?>>
Depends totally on the quality of the work.
New pianos will usually need the strings re leveled after their pitch has
stabilized, as there is so much new string pulled through the agraffes during
the first year or two. I recently had to pull a Steinway D up to 442, and
noticed some of the level went away.
REgards,
Ed Foote
( I am generally considered "level-headed" )
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