>From what has been written on this thread so far, I understand that the problem I described is not a necessary evil in pianos with a capo, but rather a problem that has developped over time in this particular instrument (and others of its age). I now got "Steinway Service Manual" (not an official Steinway publication) from the library. The author writes about the string cutting problem: "This usually is a result of improper tuning as the harder steel strings cut into the V-bar (shouldn't it say capo bar?) when exposed to excessive tension" He (service manual author) suggests to file the capo bar and use oil as lubricant. I don't think that the piano has been improperly tuned. I know that the previous owner did some bad things to the piano, such as cleaning the strings and plate with aggressive detergent dropping down on the soundboard and causing corrosion on the metal, but improper tuning was probably not one of the bad things done to the piano. Considering all the trouble obviously connected with standard capo bars, I wonder if they couldn't be improved by either of the following: 1) The manufacturer mounts upside-down agraffes to the capo bar (which, of course, does not extend as close to the strings as usual). Advantages: enjoying easier tuning and reducing string cutting thanks to agraffes, being able to correct possible string cutting problems by simply exchanging agraffes. 2) Carving grooves slighly larger than the string into it in order to distribute the pressure more evenly over the edge. The main advantage I see with that compared to method 1 is that it is something that could be done to a standard capo after manufacturing, unless affecting downbearing too much? What do you think? Regards Michael
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