In a message dated 6/08/2000 9:33:30 AM, Joe wrote: <<Hi, Is the function of counter bearing bar you speak of, to give greater pressure in the string. So that it will have ? And beter termination? Joe Goss>> Joe; Ron or Del could give you a better technical definition of these things but their function is kinda simple so I'll try :-) "counter bearing bar" might not be the proper terminology but that is what I have always called them. ON S&S these bars are cast in the plate with three sections each in treble and middle tenor...in the tenor section this function is performed by that wide, curved, piece of felt/oilpaper that lies between the tuning pins and the agraffes. Some instruments use "half-round" steel or brass bars which are not cast into the plate. For all of these things the purpose is to provide a smooth rendering surface for the strings while providing (slightly adjustable in some cases) "up" pressure directly 'behind' the capo or agraffe. This, in theory I suppose, provides for a more positive speaking length termination at the capo or agraffe. Jim Bryant (FL)
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