[CAUT] Harpsichord popping strings

[Ed Sutton]

Ron is correct, if anyone knows what is a reasonable break% for a 
harpsichord, or more precisely, a harpsichord in institutional 
circumstances, which rarely provide adequate care for the more delicate 
instruments.

Perhaps someone could write a document on guidelines for selection and care 
of neglected institutional harpsichords. This would not be the same as 
guidelines for a fine, privately owned and maintained harpsichord.

Meanwhile, since the greatest string stress is always at the tuning pin 
section, due to friction at the front bearing points, it would probably help 
to place a tiny drop of ProLube on the nut and front pins where the strings 
bear on them.

Ed Sutton


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ron Nossaman" <rnossaman at cox.net>
To: <caut at ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 2:22 PM
Subject: Re: [CAUT] Harpsichord popping strings


>
> I have a question.
>
> Why all the traffic in speculation? Why not measure the speaking length 
> and diameter, calculate the tension, and look up the breaking strength? 
> You can calculate the break% when it's tuned to 440, and see for yourself 
> if it's the scaling. I don't understand why someone with a problem doesn't 
> want to know the answer badly enough to work it out when the information 
> you need is available.
>
> Ron N