[pianotech] Optimum way to stretch a new string

[Paul T Williams]

Duaine,

I replace strings weekly.  When I pull them up to pitch ( at first some 30 
cents sharp), I pound the heck out of them for a minute or so.  Then I 
re-pull them up (again some 20 cents sharp).  Then I overstretch them by 
less than a semi-tone; pound them in again many times.  Then when I'm 
done, I'll leave the new strings sharp about 10-15 cents sharp and 
somewhat stable.  After a week, they'll be close.  You'll still need to 
revisit a couple of times to touch them up, but that seems to work for me 
in our practice rooms and piano profs.....I wouldn't go a half step up 
except for the initial stringing and settling of the string and tuning 
pin.  Pound in, do it again, pound in, do it again, pound in, do it again, 
then leave it a bit sharp. Visit the church Friday afternoon and check it 
for a couple weeks.  It'll get better each time.

Thanks for asking a really relevant question here! It's refreshing!  :>)

Good Luck!

Paul




From:
Duaine Hechler <dahechler at att.net>
To:
pianotech at ptg.org
Date:
04/01/2011 01:53 PM
Subject:
[pianotech] Optimum way to stretch a new string



I have recently put on a couple of new string for a church grand piano and 
I've been called back about 3 times to 
tune-up the string.

Since they use the piano every Sunday, what is the optimum or best way to 
stretch the string to keep in place.

Is the following way - a good way to break the string or will it take the 
stretching?

Twice now, I've pulled the string up to the next note (ex. G to G#), let 
it sit for a few seconds then tune it back down 
to (G).

Would it break going up 2 notes (ex. G to A) ?

TYIA,
Duaine

-- 
Duaine Hechler
Piano, Player Piano, Pump Organ
Tuning, Servicing&  Rebuilding
Reed Organ Society Member
Florissant, MO 63034
(314) 838-5587
dahechler at att.net
www.hechlerpianoandorgan.com
--
Home&  Business user of Linux - 11 years



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