Pulsating string

[Michael Jorgensen]

Hi Arlie,
   Since there are no termination problems,  I suspect a defective
string.  Since replacing it might not solve the problem, consult with
the customer as to whether they are willing to pay for labor and return
visit(s).  In my experience such sounds are often due to wire with
excessive twists from poor stringing techniques or once having been
pulled beyond elastic limits. Scaling problems often manifest as
unclarity just above the break, but this is less likely here because the
problem is confined to one string.
-Mike Jorgensen RPT

Arlie D. Rauch wrote:
> 
> The client has a very nicely rebuilt 85-year-old Hazelton Bros. grand.  I
> tuned it last fall and again recently.  She let me know a week later that
> she was not satisfied with the tuning.  So I went back.
> 
> The culprit was a pulse in the left string of the first unison immediately
> above the bass/tenor break.  It developed that she really was satisfied
> with the tuning, but she was hearing that pulse.  Apparently this problem
> has been there before, but she thinks that last fall the pulse was gone
> after I tuned the piano.
> 
> The string is firmly against the bridge.  The other half of the string
> which loops back to form the second string of the unison has a clear,
> straight tone.
> 
> Any suggestions as to the cause?  Any suggestions as to the solution?
> 
> Is it possible that tuning the piano to A-441 might have eliminated the
> pulse last fall?  Now it was tuned to A-440, both times per her
> instructions.
> 
> Thanks in advance.  I may not see the piano again until the end of summer.
> 
> Arlie
> 
> Arlie D. Rauch
> Glendive, MT
> 
> http://members.Tripod.com/~Turbooster