Harpsichord tuning

[Dave Doremus]

On 2/15/06, Aart in America Piano Services said:

>Thanks for your help today Andrew,
>
>The customer said that he has a set of strings.
>He sounds like a professional musician with an understanding of the 
>instrument, but we'll see.


One thing about harpsichords, and early instruments in general. If 
you are going to change a string you need a double helix loop, like a 
bass string, not the ususal single hitch pin loop. You can make one 
with some practice with a nail and a clamp and a hook. When you put 
on the new string take the tuning pin completely out, shim the hole 
with a slim piece of rag paper or A weight sand paper. Look at how 
many coils are on the neighboring strings and whether or not the wire 
is spun down toward the wrest plank. The idea is that the angle 
coming off the nut should be the same on your new string as it is on 
the old ones. Also, tuning. No test blows, they are meaningless in a 
plucked action. Make several quick passes to stabilize. Have fun, 
they are easy on the ears. Try a Vallotti or Young. Good luck.
-- 
--Dave


-----------------------------
Algiers Piano Works

Tuning and Restoration of
Modern and Historical
Stringed Keyboard Instruments

New Orleans
------------------------------