ralph m martin wrote: > Some time ago I asked this question of Del. However, it was poorly > written and sounded more like a statement. So please let me ask it > again: > > The hitch pins are always staggered on a grand. I assume this is for one > or two reasons: > (a) Drilling the holes in line would create a plate weakness > (b) To tune the non-speaking segment of the strings > > If the answer is NOT answer (b)..why then can these segments be pre-tuned > to eliminate the use of aliquots? > > Sounds like a dumb question but it's been on my mind. > > Ralph --------------------------------------------------- Ralph, I've rarely heard a dumb question coming from an intelligent person. Answers are another issue, however. So, here we go... Am I correct in assuming that with answer (b) you are referring to a vertical hitch pin arrangement? If so, then yes; the hitch pins are generally arranged so that the back scale, the "non-speaking" segment of the string, has the appearance of being "tuned." I say "has the appearance" because there are so many variables involved that precisely tuning these segments accurately is really quite impossible. The hitch pin holes must be drilled in exactly the right spot. The trailing bridge pins must be exactly in the right spot. The bridge must be located on the soundboard exactly right. The soundboard must be positioned to the rim exactly right. Etc., etc., etc. This is also the case with the cast duplex bars used by some manufacturers but no one wants to admit it. Individual duplex bars can be moved in an attempt to "tune" the back scale. Then, assuming that it can indeed be done correctly, the tuning might even last for an hour or two. In any case, this is more of an advertising and marketing gimmick than anything else. >From a purely practical standpoint, since vertical hitch pins tend to be somewhat larger in diameter than the older style they are usually positioned in such a way as to keep from overly weakening the plate panel and to spread the stress out over a larger area. Since both functions can easily be achieved at the same time, why not go ahead and position them so that marketing can claim that the back scale is "tuned," thus giving them one more feature to talk about? So, did I answer your question? Or just generate more. Regards, Del
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