I do not usually strip mute most pianos. Tuning all strings from A0 to C8 seems to give a more stable tuning. On verticals I use the split rubber treble mute for the tenor section by straddling the outside strings leaving the middle string open. The first time I saw this was at a PTG convention and was shown by Jim Coleman Sr. The Pap’s treble mute works better in the treble. On grands however I use only a split rubber treble mute with the long handle broken off leaving in about 3 inches long. Being shortened in this manner it is the only mute that I need to tune the whole piano. By straddling the outside strings you can tune the middle first, then the outsides in either order you wish or you can mute the middle and one outside and tune the other first and then the other 2 to it. Occasionally when I get a wild reading on the stretch numbers I will revert to strip muting from F6 down through all the bass double strings and tune the piano using to C3 to F6 method and tune the bass and treble to this tuning. This helps somewhat on a poorly scaled piano. I do enjoy following this list and feel that I have learned a lot form it Norman Barrett Memphis, TN
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