[CAUT] Harpsichord popping strings

[mario at pianosinsideout.com]

When I was working on 2 harpsichords regularly years ago, strings
(replacement and those originally in the harpsichords) could be very
different. Some "silver" strings were curly, almost like brass wire and
others were like mini piano wire (Roeslau). Seems to me that
elasticity/breaking point variations between harpsichord wire from different
makers varies considerably. That would make it difficult to draw conclusions
based on measurements without knowing what kind of tension that particular
wire can take.

Lubricating front string bearings is a great idea. I understand this
instrument is non-transposing? If so, remember to shift the keyboard up
before tuning to target pitch.

Mario Igrec

-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Sutton [mailto:ed440 at mindspring.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 1:53 PM
To: caut at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [CAUT] Harpsichord popping strings

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