S&S capo

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi Christopher:

Sometimes the counter bearing area or duplex has unhappy string length
combinations. This aliquot area may be out of tune with the speaking length
to such a degree that you hear a very fast beat or buzz. You might try 
putting a drop of glue on this segment of the string. This will change the
frequency but not damp the string nearly so much as touching it with your
finger. See if you can find the right combination. If you have read Ed
McMorrows book, you will know how he deals with this in changing the
counterbearing height and making a smaller radius V-bar contact with the
string.

Jim coleman, Sr.

On Fri, 19 Feb 1999, Christopher D. Purdy wrote:

> dear list,
> 
> we have a nice new S&S D here at the university that has a small problem
> that i am not sure how to address.  at the point in the treble where the
> capo begins i am getting a lot of noise from the non-speking length between
> the capo and the v-bar.  it's not "a lot" of noise but more than i like.  i
> have checked all the usual suspects; string level, hammer fit, bridge pins,
> strings seated, etc.  what i notice is that there is a ton of energy
> comming over the capo and into this length.  if i put my finger on that
> non-speaking length and play the note, the tone is dead.  i tried this on
> other pianos and i don't notice the same effect.  on a hard blow i am
> getting a sizzle from this section as if the string level was bad.  what's
> the deal?  should the non-speaking length be getting this much vibration
> through the capo?  why does muting that length deaden the tone so much more
> than other, similar pianos?  am i missing the obvious?
> 
> thanks for your help,
> chris
> 
> -Christopher D. Purdy R.P.T.   School of Music  Ohio University  Athens OH
> 
> -purdy@oak.cats.ohiou.edu   (614) 593-1656    fax# (614) 593-1429
> 
> 
>