[pianotech] agraffe leveling

Sat Mar 28 06:42:32 PDT 2009

David,

I agree. String leveling should be kept to a minimum. It is not permanent fix for faulty agraffes. I do level the strings to some degree and follow with mating the hammer. I have always had good results. If not, replace or repair the agraffe.

Al

  From: David Skolnik 
  Sent: Saturday, March 28, 2009 9:10 AM
  To: pianotech at ptg.org 
  Subject: Re: [pianotech] agraffe leveling

  Jurgen -
  Recalling an earlier question I posed to you about the availability of .001" front paper punchings, I should probably speak with Joe.  He seems to have the stock. :^) Yes, Joe did include a few extra zeros, but at least it didn't cause the destruction of a multi-million dollar satellite, as happened some years ago, due to a slight mix-up between English and Metric numerals.

  As I've mentioned, and despite Joe's protestations, I DO like the visual aspect of the device, and feel that it is as revealing and precise, as the aural.  The question becomes: what do you do with that info?   The aural 'foot' method would not have indicated the problem David found if all three (I'm assuming three) strings were in a plane.  

  Brings up two other questions.  First, just  how far are we being encouraged to go in 'leveling' strings that have a structural cause, i.e. distorted agraffes.  At some point, such dramatic bending would seem to have to have some tonal effects, and the longevity of such an effort would have to be affected by the successful stabilizing of the piano, in general.  It's one pitch raise / lowering away from obliterated.  And second, IF, in fact, the agraffes are out of spec enough to require such a leveling effort, at what point could it be considered a warrantee issue, where such a guarantee is still in effect?

  Now look at what Joe has started!! =-O

  David Skolnik
  Hastings on Hudson, NY

  At 12:41 AM 3/28/2009, you wrote:

    That sounds like really thin paper, Joe.  :^) 

    Truth be told, common copy paper measures about .003"  and business card stock  is .01".  (actually more like .004" and .013 ) .  A factor of 10 is a big difference.  But I agree that we don't need to, or hardly can, level to the thousandths of an inch. 

    When working with any level, be sure to rotate it 180 degrees to see if you are getting the same bubble position each time.  If you are not, there is something wrong with the level's reading. 

    Jurgen Goering 

    On Mar 27, 2009, at 10:14, Joe Goss wrote: 

      ... Business card about .0010"  paper .0003"  So taking a little liberty with these measurments and knowing that the foot rests on only about half its width, one is trying to level the strings to a very narrow target of less than .00005 to .0001" 

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