> > As to why the manufacturers did it their way, I can only assume that it was > > to keep the harmonics in line as far down the scale as was possible. No > > matter how well a scale is designed there will always be a noticeable change > > in the harmonic content of the sound as soon as you reach the bass crossover > > point i.e. the change from plain strings to wound strings. > This is a very interesting explanation. I too believe that at least some of > the high-end manufacturers didn't choose to use hockey-stick bridges because > they wanted to save on a few extra bass strings. Alfred Savage had lots of funny ideas besides this one: "On the proportionate lengths and sizes of the strings, depends, to a considerable degree, the obtainment of an equal quality of tone throughout the compass of the instrument ; as does also even still more its standing well in tune ; and should this meet the observation of pianoforte makers, I would, with all humility, beg to hint that it is a part of their business which many of them are too careless of, copying slavishly each other's scales, without first investigating the goodness of what they copy. ... a pianoforte strung with wire of uniform size [and tension] is very unequal in different parts of the compass. To avoid this greater evil we must choose the less one of using strings of different size, gradually increasing in thickness from the treble to the bass. ... [lower sounding notes] must not be too short ; no increase of thickness will compensate for want of sufficient tension, which produces a bad tone. This is a very common defect in those notes of a piano which are immediately above the covered strings, and it renders what is termed the break in tone very obvious." (The Mechanics' Magazine, March 22, 1842) Clark ____________________________________________________________________________________ We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love (and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list. http://tv.yahoo.com/collections/265
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