[pianotech] strings

[Ron Nossaman]

On 9/12/2010 1:49 PM, Roger Gable wrote:
> Steve,
> I have another perspective on the urban legend of string breakage. I
> never let the tension down before raising the pitch on suspected
> strings.

I don't "let tension down" either. I do, however, give each pin a quick 
back torque bump before moving it. This very often produces a slight 
"tick", or "ping" as the string breaks friction, indicating some bearing 
point was indeed frozen to the string.


> On another related subject. I've have many encounters with technicians
> who pitch raise pianos in stages to avoid string breakage. Why?

To maximize income, naturally, and give the impression they're doing 
something technically demanding. Instead of quickly pulling it up all at 
once, which is the rational thing to do, they can milk it for at least a 
couple more tunings by sneaking up on it. It's utter sheep dip. Pull 
them up and get on with it.
Ron N