[pianotech] Downbearing question

[Mike Spalding]

Al,

Downbearing is an angle, not a linear measure.  10 to 12 thousandths 
only has meaning if we know over what length of string it drops 10 to 12 
thousandths.

That said, if you have some amount of positive downbearing throughout, 
then there may be no need to change it.  There are a lot of other 
reasons to pull the plate during restringing.  How is it that this piano 
needs new strings, but doesn't need any work on the bridges, agraffes, 
or v-bar, and doesn't need a new pinblock?

Mike

Al Guecia/AlliedPianoCraft wrote:
> I never got a response to this question. Did my email get through?
> I am restringing a Steinway M. Before I pulled the strings I read a 
> composite down bearing of 10 to 12 thousandths across the bass and 
> tenor bridges with a dial gauge micrometer. My question is, how much 
> downbearing is too much.  Is 10 to 12 thousandths too much. At what 
> point would it be worth pulling the plate to adjust it. The soundboard 
> and bridges are in good condition.
>  
> Al G