[pianotech] Optimum way to stretch a new string

[Don Mannino]

Duane,

Similar to what others have said, here is what works well for me:
- New string in, put a little tension on, snug up the coils and squeeze the
beckets. Make sure spacing is correct and the loop is on the hitch pin
correctly.
- Pull up 1/2 step sharp.
- Squeeze the string in at the hitch pin
- Tap the strings lightly at each bend, on either side. I use a plastic
upright jack, but anything soft is fine, and use a very light tap.  For
grands:
	Tap down in back of and in front of rear duplex / string rest
	Tap in towards the bridge pins behind the bridge and in front of the
bridge
	Hook up in the speaking length by the agraffe / capo, and if you can
get in on the non-speaking side, hook there as well.
	Tap down on either side of the counter bearing near the tuning pins

At this point the string will usually be close to the correct pitch, so pull
it back to 1/2 step sharp for as long as you can leave it there.

- Before you leave, tune it down to pitch, playing it hard to help make sure
all of the string segments settle / move as you tune it down.

I have used this procedure and come back the next morning (after a late
night recording session) to find unisons only slightly meowing.  After a
week, noticeably out of tune but not offensively so.  The longer the string
can stay at 1/2 step sharp, the better the long term results, because this
helps to take care of the elongation factor.  As long as your settling of
the bends is done carefully and thoroughly, the string will be pretty
stable.

Don Mannino RPT

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Duaine Hechler
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 11:46 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
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