The "Jolly Loop" (Modified by Kent Swafford)

[Ron Nossaman]

> Hi Del
>               I have too much evidence to the contrary.  The end of the 
> knot becomes a theoretical termination point, and the helix is almost 
> incapable of flexing.

The helix doesn't have to flex with a vertical hitch. The loop 
pivots on the hitch. That's the point. A German loop clamped on a 
vertical hitch is more restrictive than an English loop that can pivot.


> So many pianos have about a 55mm knot at A0,  and only about 7-10mm of 
> flexible string.  James had a clear demonstration model at the Cal state 
> convention.  The reaction of all that saw it was wow! The vibration time 
> of the new knot vs an English loop is about 3 times greater.  

And this is with a vertical hitch?


>To the 
> previous writer, it is not Del's hitch pins.  But was developed and 
> patented by Harold Conklin of the Baldwin piano company.

And to all writers and readers, it isn't Roger Jolly's loop. It's 
called a German loop, and was invented by someone unknown to me, 
many years prior to the invention of Roger Jolly.


  > Whilst Conklin's design was a big step forward. I feel the knot 
also
> adds some thing.  The feed back on my prototype 6'4'' Knabe at NAMM 
> received very positive results. Side by side comparisons of the three 
> models re scaled, has been a very obvious improvement..
> 
> Regards Roger

This needs to be put in context. There are times when the German 
loop will be a definite improvement, and other times when it won't. 
It depends on back scale length, core wire size changes with 
re-scaling, and hitch type.

Ron N



> 
>> The German loop is unnecessary with vertical hitches. Of the two, vertical
>> hitches are acoustically superior but they are different. Most piano
>> manufacturers are frightened out of their teeth when they encounter 
>> anything
>> different.
>>
>> Del