[pianotech] string height gauge

Douglas Gregg classicpianodoc at gmail.com
Fri Mar 23 06:52:42 MDT 2012


FWIW,
I like to keep it simple and have multiple uses for tools in my 20 lb
case. I use a telescoping magnetic retriever that has 5 uses. It looks
like a rabbit ears antenna.

1. measuring string height. It sticks to the string and pulls down to
the key bed. Just pull it out carefully and measure the length
conveniently in good light.

2. Measure lyre supports that are missing. Extend it between the two
sockets, mark it with a white board marker, collapse it to remove it
and re-extend and measure. Like a charm.
Actually a sharpie will do fine. Just wipe it off with some acetone or alcohol.

3. Use it to replace a tenor string under the bass strings. Put the
bend in the middle and let the magnet hold the bend while you snake it
into place under the bass strings. It saves a lot of fiddling.

4. Use it to retrieve a lost mute with a steel wire handle

5. Use it to get an action screw where it should go and even get it
started a little.

Probably all of these have been in TT&Ts at one time or another but
maybe not all together.

Doug Gregg
Classic Piano Doc
Southold, NY


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