Measuring string/bridge gap

[Michael Gamble]

Hello Graham and List
This seems to be an on-going thread. And properly so. However there are 
facets of this discussion which haven't been aired - so I'll do so now (just 
to see what size flame-suit I should order!) Right then. Here's the rub.  I 
thought two bridge pins per string were the norm - but! Broadwood 
double-overstrung grands and some uprights have only ONE bridge pin per 
string. How do they get over the sideways thrust? (you ask) Simple! They 
divide the number of strings on the bridge. Half go one way and the other 
half go the other way. Cute eh? What has this to do with down-bearing and 
the gap under the string? I'm not sure ... but, as sure as God made little 
apples ... there's no gap under these strings!
Regards
Michael G.(UK)
p.s. I've never seen this on metals, though - only on the covered section.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Greg Graham" <grahampianos@yahoo.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 3:12 PM
Subject: Measuring string/bridge gap


> In the interest in contributing raw data to the very
> interesting discussion of string/bridge seating, I was
> wondering about the best way for me (us?) to measure
> the gap between strings and the bridge.
>
> If there is an indentation in the bridge cap that is
> less deep than the diameter of the string, how would a
> feeler gage detect the gap?  Wouldn't it run into the
> side of the string and stop, yet there would be a
> 0.0xx inch gap under the string?
>
> If I wanted to use a dial indicator, how would I mount
> it to get an accurate pre and post seating measurement
> at the pin?  What kind of tip would sit reliably on
> the string next to the pin?  Is there a commercially
> available tip for the job, or would I (we?) have to
> make one?  Would a magnetic indicator base sit
> reliably on adjacent strings on one or the other side
> of the bridge?
>
> Is there another way?
>
> I'll tinker around and figure this out (someday!), but
> was hoping one of my fellow listers had already hoed
> this row.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Greg Graham
> Happy to have aced the written exam at MARC
> Brodheadsville, PA
>
>
>
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