String Height Gauge

[David Skolnik]

Jack -
I respect and empathize with the impulse to use your digital caliper 
for as many things as possible.  For example, I've been using mine in 
a system for key leveling which works quite well.  There are a few 
reasons why I might not be so comfortable with the application you 
present, but, even apart from that, I'm having trouble understanding 
the set up.  Perhaps you could supply some additional pictures (which 
were quite nice) showing the bass of the gauge from different 
angles.  I'm not understanding how you are establishing a zero 
setting from the keybed.  Also, I'm a bit uncomfortable bringing the 
end of the gauge in contact with the bass string windings...maybe a 
non-issue.  You have to be careful to establish positive contact with 
the wire, given the narrow width of the  and then, if you're not 
taking the gauge out of the piano, you have to be bent down to read it, Yes?

An alternate application for the same purpose as the one you've 
proposed occurred to me.
Fabricate or obtain a block of a precise dimension (metric or 
english) - 5 or 6 inches, say.  Take the caliper and measure the 
diameter of the string whose height you wish to measure. Zero the 
gauge.  Place the block under the subject string, and, with the butt 
end of the caliper resting on top of the string, extend the depth rod 
downward to contact the surface of the block.  Add the read out to 
the block dimension and the result is your string height.  I'll try 
it out tomorrow to see if it really works.  Of course,  Pianotek's 
digital tape (David I.) seems awfully convenient, if a bit heavy to 
carry around, if memory serves.

and cheers to you
David Skolnik
Hastings on Hudson, NY

At 10:05 PM 7/23/2008, you wrote:
>Sorry I forgot to put a Subjet /Title
>
>
>Hello All,
>
>I wanted to measure string height so I came up with a new gauge. It 
>is very precise and also gives a reading
>of the string level. The three measurements shown are of the same 
>note. I simply mounted my 4 inch caliper onto a base and I used a 
>machine screw to hold it secure. With a simple turn of the screw it 
>can be taken apart.
>
>I can take an average or measure individual strings. The digital 
>readout is easy to record the distance and move on to the next
>with out taking the gauge out of the piano.
>
>
>Cheers,
>Jack Houweling
>
>

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