Duplex

[Ron Nossaman]

> A front duplex which has been carefully 
>set to a harmonic length of the speaking length is a sure way to 
>build a lousy sounding note. 

I don't know, Ron. Some are less lousy sounding than others, so it's
possibly not that dependable an approach. Of course, a lot of it depends on
how noisy the duplex has to be to "compensate" for what the lousy
soundboard isn't providing.


>The duplex length must be detuned to lie 
>in between two adjacent harmonic lengths. Further, the duplex length 
>must not be too long or it will be noisy anyhow, even if it is a 
>detuned length. Therefore, a suitable detuned length must be chosen 
>for each section of speaking lengths. 

I'll have to take exception that the front duplex lengths MUST be detuned
to be quiet. Simply keeping them short, and the bearing angles somewhere in
the 15° range will produce a very clean, quiet front duplex regardless of
the duplex length proportion to the speaking length. 



>There you go all, out with your spreadsheets. I know it's right 
>because I've actually gone to the trouble of building a piano with 
>this system and it works. String noise might suit those who are hard 
>of hearing but I don't care for it at all. Steinway might have the 
>patent for tuned duplex lengths but who wants it? It only  results in 
>noise. I'm more interested in clean tone. Anyone else wish to join me?
>
>Ron O

Absolutely. "Help Stamp Out Tuned Front Duplexes" bumper stickers are being
printed, on fire resistant material, even as we speak.


Ron N