Flag-poling: a way of life, or...?

[Tvak@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 11/29/01 1:56:05 AM, remoody@midstatesd.net writes:

<< The way I learned and then was glad to see it in Reblitz and Braid White is
to "draw (which I took to mean actually turning the pin) it above pitch
then manipulate the pin down". (vertically)   I think after that, you find
that  you go under and over once or twice (very little and quickly) and
leave the pin so that the 170 lb tension actually pulls the pin to its
position and  the string then is then magically in tune. >>

<<The idea is to leave the pin in a position so that it
won't be moved>

Yes, yes!  That's such a great description of exactly the process I use.  
Since adopting this technique my tunings have been extremely stable.  (Not 
just my opinion, but those of 3 RPT's whom I have had coachings with.)  

The intent of my original post was to confirm in my own mind that many of us 
use this legitimate technique (vertical or lateral manipulation of the pin) 
in spite of the fact that textbooks (Randy Potter, Reblitz, etc.) either omit 
this information or in Potter's case, actually go out of their way to 
discourage it.  

It was my tutoring session at Reno (with an RPT who shall remain nameless) 
that brought me to write about this.  Whereas he chided me for vertically 
manipulating the pin ("Never, never do that!) I watched him DO IT HIMSELF!!!  

<<This requires practice and results in your own particular way
of "setting the pin".>>

I think this is true.  Watching others tune leads me to believe that everyone 
has a slightly different approach to skinning this cat.  

Tom Sivak