Hi Joe, et al I agree. Its really very simple. If the string is off the bridge and the bridge presents positve bearing.. then the strings need to get *gently* set into place. Its easy enough to confirm this condition can exist in a variety of ways and I really dont see any reason to deny this myself. And as you say... the nudge needed to do the job is exactly that ... a nudge. If the string doesnt go down with that then its already down and theres no harm done... not with a nudge anyways. As in all things... moderation in appropriate degree is the key. Ric B My two cent's worth: My take is that the wire on new pianos, however, may need to be seated. But proceed cautiously. If the wire doesn't move visually, then that step in the preparation process may have been done, and your ham-handed pounding of the wire into the bridge cap is not gonna do a blasted thing except exacerbate false beats, dent the bridge, torque the bridge pins and accelerate wear. Joseph Alkana RPT
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