List, In my desire to learn more about this subject, I trust you will allow me to summarize a few points of difference in the current discussion on string levelling. I stress that I do this only as a pathforward for discussion and understanding, not in anyway to identify whose 'right or wrong'. Everyone is aligned that string levelling is a very important voicing procedure (ok I'm sure somebody doesn't agree, but you haven't come forward yet). However, opinions differ in regard to whether string levelling affects uprights. Many have said yes, Del Fandich disagrees and wrote: > And there is a reason why these problems are not generally found in the upright piano designs. With the notable exceptions, of course, of those designs that attempt to use tuned aliquot string segments. As designed today, most vertical pianos have inherently superior string termination systems compared to those commonly found in grand pianos. (For more on this subject, see my articles in the Journal of a couple of years back.) < Also, opinion on the reason that strings need to be levelled differs. On Mon, 6 Apr, "Richard Moody" <remoody@easnet.net> wrote: >>So then do you mean we (oops that damn word again) are bending piano strings to make up for lousy agraffes?<< Bill Ballard replied: >I've never believed that theory. I can't believe that properly located aggraphe holes are so great a challenge that every piano factory should be falling flat on its face trying to successfully produce these critical doodads. At least that what we have to conclude when we insist on blaming the undeniable pervasiveness of unlevel strings on poorly drilled aggraphe holes. Especially when the much more obvious answer is in the curling nature of piano wire itself.< Del Fandich wrote: >Might I suggest that "we" are doing a lot of bending of piano strings to make up for lousy string termination design. Most pianos being built today use agraffes that are very similar, both in design and in manufacture. Yet some pianos have major string leveling and termination problems and others do not. It fact, some piano designs using agraffes from the same manufacturer have string termination problems requiring much string fussing and leveling and others do not.> Both Del and Bill are in agreement that agraffes are not the cause. However if Bill's view that the problem is caused by "the curling nature of piano wire", wouldn't the problem be found equally in grands and uprights which Del contends it is not? Is it primarily confined to specific manufacturer/models as Del contends? I must admit some surprise to find that after 30 or more years, there is still disagreement as to the cause of why 3 wires will not sitting level between 2 points. If we can conquered the challenge of going to the moon 30 years ago, surely we could have gotten to the bottom of this 'blight' on the piano world. If I was a digital keyboard supporter (see I didn't call them pianos) I would be having a real hoot on this one. Comments anyone. Regards, John Email: Woodroj@syvax.email.dupont.com Telephone: 61-2-99236103 Fax: 61-2-99236099
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