String leveling as related to tuning

[Michael Jorgensen]

Barrie Heaton wrote:
> 
> Mike,
> 
> What if the hammers have cuts in relation to the unlevelled strings..!
> will the practice of beating  the tuning in,  still level the stings?
> If you level the strings will not the tone be just as uneven as the
> hammers are uneven.
> 
> Barrie,

Interesting thought!  In this case the strings and hammers are already
mated but the string grooves vary in depth and length so no amount of
string leveling will correct the unequal voicing. Strings are "unlevel"
to match the unlevel hammers, but the primary purpose of string leveling
is to match strings to hammers anyway.   (Unlevel strings mated to
unlevel hammers is better than unlevel hammers contacting level
strings).  The voicing problem is due to irregular grooves and can be
solved with careful filing and needling, and the strings must be
releveled to match the now level hammers.
-Mike Jorgensen