Hi Tim, I believe I said "beware of... stringing felt," and I certainly don't "suggest" it. (but then my memory can be a fickle thing ;>) Lifting on the non-speaking side for voicing is an interesting thought though, and we know it works at the capo. Here's a question I think is worth keeping in mind: When we lift string on the speaking side, do we picture the string "bending" or "rocking?" It's likely a little bit of both, which makes your point a good one, as lifting the speaking length may have lowered the non-speaking length. As for refurbishing agraffes Tim, I agree. Another question comes to mind though: How long does that nice crisp "hour-glass" profile last? IOW, does the "V" shaped termination quickly become a "U" shape after a few tunings and some string-lifting? (recall the capo argument a few decades back; "shape it to a knife edge and let the string gently round it over") On that presumption, we've abandoned "recentering" to a crisp profile, in favour of the rounded profile we get from shoe-shining with abrasive cord. IOW, having yet to saw through an agraffe to prove this speculation, we feel the rounded internal profile (optimally creating a seat wider than the string diameter) is closer to the profile the string will impress into the brass over time. The thought being; this termination will last longer. Any comments? thanks, Mark Cramer, Brandon University Mark, You and I have talked about the problem with the agraffes before. I have had limited success with lifting and thicker stringing felt as you suggest. The buzzes still come back. Although, I have started using the lifting on the non speaking side of the agraffe as an important voicing tool. The strings really come to life. I have posted to this list before about lifting the non speaking segment but was totally ignored. It doesn't take a scientific mind to try it. Just someone who knows not to pull the agraffe out of the plate. As I have stated several times the only sure fire method to get rid of the agraffe buzzes is to properly refurbish them. Jim Busby: I have not ignored your post about the methods used to refurbish the agraffes. I have not had time to put it together, as there are some items I need to clarify with my subcontracted labor (a PTG Associate). At least at this point he is now willing to share his methods. Tim Coates
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