Hi David, others.
Exactly ! I see no reason to get into a state of denial about the
usefulness and necessity of string seating. I do see the point about
when it becomes destructive. But that does not touch on when it is
appropriate and is in reality a different subject matter.
Let me see if I'm clear on this...the front edge of the notch has
been crushed by humidity increases and decreases on this brand new
Yamaha grand piano. That is why when I tap the string it drops?
SIGH...
David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA 94044
This is boils down to rather simple geometry. Forget the string for a
moment. If you think of the front termination, hitch pin (or aliquot
termination in the case) and the high spot of the bridge as a simple
triangle and can measure that the entire surface of the bridge pin is as
high or above the line drawn down from the high spot of the bridge to
the front termination.... (and the same to the back length termination)
then there is a positive bearing situation for the string to seat on.
If the string in spite of this situation is for whatever reasons off the
surface of the bridge.. then it needs seating.
If on the other hand there is some length of the bridge surface below
this line between the high spot of the bridge and the front termination,
then ordinary seating will be at best a very temporary improvement and
at worst a further detriment to the condition.
If one can lower the high spot of the bridge by sanding the entire plane
and still be able to measure positive down bearing afterwards alleviate
a localized negative bearing problem... then by all means do so either
by sanding or by light taping at the high spot of the bridge.
Whether (and why) the string is seated properly on a bridge surface that
provides a positive bearing situation or not is a completely different
subject matter then whether or not there is indeed a bridge surface that
meets that requirement in the first place.
Cheers
RicB
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC