Twisting bass strings (physics)

[Jason Kanter]

I've always wondered why you can twist the bass strings with obvious good
results, but need be so careful to avoid twists in installing plain steel
strings. "False beats!" was the warning.

Now, after all this erudite hoo-hah about the physics of soundboards, I
wonder if some of the scientific-minded might describe what happens to a
string that is twisted, tensed, and struck? Clearly, twisting tightens the
copper wrapping; but what does it do to the sound-generating qualities of
the core (or of a plain steel string)? And how do "false beats" enter the
picture?

Maybe the only real concern in the plain strings is that a twist *and* a
U-turn around the hitch pin might create a "kink", and maybe THAT's the
source of false beats. But I'd like to understand the physics better.

Inquiring minds want to know.

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jason kanter * piano tuning * piano teaching
bellevue, wa * 425 562 4127 * cell 425 831 1561
orcas island * 360 376 2799
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> From: Bigeartb@AOL.COM
> Reply-To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2002 18:28:21 EST
> To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject: Re: Twisting bass strings
> 
> Mr. Love:
> According to John W. Travis, 'A Guide to Restringing', the twist is necessary
> in order to tighten the copper wrapping...just like Wilem has already
> stataed.....1/2 twist for single wound strings and 1 full twist for
> doubles..It seems to me 2 full twist would push the string to the edge. I do
> wonder since these strings require more revolutions of copper winding it
> might need more twist. I don't really know.  But, if you replaced these tenor
> strings with other strings which require the same action in order to sound
> good, Wilem may be on target concerning the bridge. Ole Travis said if the
> above mentioned twist did not liven up the string, then the string maker
> failed at his job. I do know this, Wilem has forgotten more than I'll ever
> learn and I'm sure this info is not new to you. However, just trying to help.
> 
> 
> Tommy Black
> Decatur, Ala.