[pianotech] Bluthner birdcage

[John Ross]

It may not be necessary for you.
But it is for me, as I like to make my job, as easy as I can.
Of course you can do it by 'feel', and I have,  but for me more light makes 
it easier.
I use a 18v fluorescent that came with my DeWalt cordless drill.
I think you were inferring, that I didn't know how to use a Papps Mute as 
well as you do.
I hope you weren't.
John Ross
Windsor, nova Scotia
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <david at piano.plus.com>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 6:34 AM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Bluthner birdcage


Extra light isn't necessary to tune an overdamped piano! I have tuned one
by candlelight in a power cut!

All you need is proficient use of the Papps Mute.

As the Papps Mute is rigid plastic, you can use the closed tip of it like
a plectrum, to drag across the trichords to identify the correct note and
string to mute.

Sometimes, depending on the scale design and the placing of the overdamper
action rail at the top of the action, in the bichords you can place the
BLUNT end of the Papps Mute between the notes, ABOVE the action. The
stronger spring force at the handle end of the Papps Mute can be sufficent
to damp a wound string even near its end.

Regards,

David.