[CAUT] Harpsichord popping strings

[Jim Busby]

Hi Paul,

Fred is the man to ask here, but I will tell you that we had the same problem and how it was "solved".

First, make sure that the wire size is correct. I found that makers will try a size bigger/smaller without batting an eye. We finally asked the builder, who reluctantly told us to change the type of wire to steel (different size too), then voice it down to where it matched. On this harpsichord we found that several strings were NOT the right size and correcting/changing size made them break less (or not at all, so far) and that changing to steel worked 100% of the time, but I found that the tone difference was too great. I didn't like it, but was able to voice it to where the artist likes it. Also, on the few I changed to steel, they go out of tune WAY more when compared to their neighbors. But hey, the builder made the recommendation (to steel) so go figure.

Good luck Paul.

Regards,
Jim

From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Paul T Williams
Sent: Monday, October 11, 2010 11:22 AM
To: CAUTlist
Subject: [CAUT] Harpsichord popping strings

H Cauters,

One of our harpsichords pops strings all by itself!  I have to replace strings all the time and it's rarely played. I used to think it was excessive humidity in this sub-basement room, but now again, 3 more strings have popped in the last week or so and the humidity is very low.  Our other two harpsichords almost never break strings and also hold their tune much better than this one, and played about equally.

What's going on with it?  Any ideas?

Thanks
Paul
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