Duplex

[Duplexdan@AOL.COM]

To Dave M. Porritt,

At least in the recent past and on my list serve e mail I haven't seen any 
inquiry regarding the time factor in tuning duplex scales, so your question 
may be of interest to a number of our colleagues as well as your self. In my 
experience the job of tuning the duplex scale in any kind of piano whether it 
be contiguous or individual oliquot duplex scale design must be approached 
separately from tuning a piano for immediate use. i usualy allow two to four 
hours for tuning a duplex scale, and charge accordingly as an added job, like 
voicing, or regulation or repairs. In effect it is a voicing product as it 
related directly to the tone of the instrument.

The duplex can be way out of tune and many pianists as well as audience may 
not mind. It happens too frequently. However, more and more discerning 
artists are coming to appreciate the higher level of purity and fullness of a 
piano whose duplex scale is in tune.

Your note does include an interesting idea that has been used successfully by 
tuners who tune duplex scales. The idea of "massaging" the duplex scale. 
Basically what this is is stretching, as when putting new strings on a 
stringed instrument. This does bring the string down and provide a stretch 
and evenness to the string . But as to the application of this stretching to 
a tuning job, I can not recommend it if it is used in lieu of placement of 
the harmonic bridge.

The duplex portion of the string is comparatively short and the most 
effective method of tuning this segment, and having it stay in tune is to 
adjust the placement of the harmonic bridge (duplex) to a point on the plate 
that promotes a fundamental duplex tone that is in harmony with the speaking 
length.

Hope this is helpful.

Dan Franklin, RPT