Bechstein false beats.

[Newton Hunt]

Hello Peter,

There are many potential sources of false beats but the three most
likely are:

1.   Loose bridge pins.  Take a small tool and press gently against a
bridge pin and see if the beats change.  Look for hair line cracks in
the bridge.  The best solution for this situation is CA glue carefully
dripped down the side of the pin until the entire hole has been
filled.  When hard the pin will not move at all.

2.   Strings are not seated firmly on the bridge.  Take an upright
hammer shank and use a small pliers or similarly heavy object and
lightly take the string down on the bridge side of the strings.  Check
the bearing and make sure it is not negative or the front of the
bridge is lower than the back side of the bridge.

3.   Inadequate deflection angle at the agraffe end.  With a small
hook lift a string on the non speaking side of the agraffe and see if
it changes.  

Termination's are generally the source of the problem but as has been
discussed sometimes the soundboard and bridge designs are the source,
which is a much more difficult problem to solve.

Hope all is well with you and yours.

		Newton