Using becket breaker?

[Lance Lafargue]

Jim Bryant nailed just about everything as I do it.  I don't lower the
tension though.  I usually break the middle unison from tenor to treble,
then go in a pattern to finish off the rest.  (Piano is often 100 or more
cents flat) I also use it for the bass strings.  Sometimes the becket won't
break and you drive the pin deeper.  It can be a frustration then, but
using the becket breaker minimizes the scratching of the plate and keeps it
nicer.  Gauging the strings BEFORE breaking the coil is easier, I agree,
Jim.  Tilting the tool toward the beckett is a must.  I use a 2lb hammer.
(same I use to string with)  Don't forget to protect those precious ears!
Lance Lafargue, RPT
New Orleans Chapter
Covington, LA.
lafargue@iamerica.net

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> From: BSHARPTUNE <BSHARPTUNE@aol.com>
> To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject: Using becket breaker?
> Date: Tuesday, January 27, 1998 8:53 AM
> 
> The recent talk about restringing has got me  thinking about a becket
breaker
> that I have, but never used.  I am used to lowering string tension before
> restringing in the "usual way,  but have never used this tool out of fear
of
> not knowing exactly how to use it.  No one in the area uses one and I've
never
> read anywhere the proper method of using it, hence it has never been
used.  I
> would like to know things such as:
> 1. Do you lower string tension before using it?
> 2. Is there a particular string breaking sequence?
> 3. Any dangers to using this system?
> 
> Any advice greatly appreciated from you veteran restringers!
> 
> Devlon
> Nashville Chapter