<html> <body> At 01:14 PM 4/8/2004 -0500, Ron wrote: (Italicized portion reinserted by ds) <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite><blockquote type=cite class=cite cite><blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>My experience with our D was a definite perceptible improvement in sustain, power, and clarity to some notes from taping once judiciously/gently down on every bridge pin in the killer octave.   On some strings, the tuning pitch dropped three or more BPS, on others it had no affect. -Mike Jorgensen</blockquote> By tapping the pins, you effectively seated the strings with the rough equivalent of a 20 pound weight courtesy of the friction from the offset angle. Yes, I expect it did sound cleaner. Ron N</blockquote></blockquote> DS <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite><blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>So we know it can work sometimes. Maybe the pin moved down, dragging the string along.  Maybe the shock of the tap overcame friction of the abraded and notched pin, to allow the string to return to its more neutral position.  We don't know which of the numerous scenarios we have recently discussed is active in this piano.</blockquote>RN No, we don't know EXACTLY and COMPLETELY what is happening in any situation - ever.</blockquote> Why get existentialist on me?  I continue to ask that, in the absence of some sort of proof, theories be acknowledged as such.  What I meant by "numerous scenarios" was the circumstances of the piano...bearing, notched pins, etc.  I just wanted to allow that some other effect than dragging the strings down to the bridge surface could be taking place. <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite><blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>Ron has, at various times, seemed to accept tapping as a solution, and at other times, not.</blockquote> No, I haven't, regardless of what you appear to feel I seem to have implied that I might have meant. Tapping is not a solution, and I have never said it was. I have also never said that it wasn't a possible short term improvement of a tonal problem. What I have repeatedly said is that it doesn't fix the problem. It just masks the symptoms. What I have been apparently miserably unsuccessful in attempting to describe is what I think is really happening, based on my understanding of physics, observable evidence, and logic. I have tried to present it in as straightforward and unambiguous a manner as I can, in as much detail as I have worked out to my satisfaction, and in connection with as many other surrounding and extenuating factors as I can connect. That's the best I can do.</blockquote> My apologies in reverting to my imprecise usage.  I didn't mean "solution", rather, a temporary abatement of the offending symptoms.  For clarity (of others) I'll requote (again) from a previous post: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>You choose to ridicule me here.  You left out the quotes I felt were inconsistent.  I'll repeat them: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>In response to me you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>I do care about the string contact with the front of the bridge, but I do not agree that tapping the pin will achieve that end. That's the whole point of all this. If the string isn't contacting the notch edge, it's for a reason that tapping neither string, nor pin will cure.</blockquote> In response to Wim, you said: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>Wimblees: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>There has been a lot of discussion about tapping the pin to create better tone, less distortion, etc. But what are we doing? Is the better termination caused because by tapping we are driving the pin deeper into the wood at the bottom of the hole, thus creating a more stable pin,</blockquote>Ron N: Partly, but I think mostly dragging the string down with the pin to the notch edge.</blockquote> and <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>WimB <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>So what is the real reason for tapping? More wood, or less pin?</blockquote>RonN Or seating the string by proxy?</blockquote></blockquote> You are telling me that you do not believe that tapping either the pin or the string will cure the lack of notch edge contact, but, in response to Wim, you at least imply that that is exactly what is being done. You may not be able to explain it, but you shouldn't place the responsibility for the confusion on me. </blockquote> I should not have used "solution: or "cure".   <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite><blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>My continued discomfort with these kinds of questions (or observations) and answers (or explanations) is that both are too general to allow the relevant subtleties to be appreciated, or retained. David Skolnik</blockquote> Then you're just going to have to find yourself an expert that can answer your questions. I've given you what I have.</blockquote> Mike's observations were perfectly relevant.  They just lacked enough detail to add much insight.  I didn't intend to be demeaning. I would express my appreciation for what you've given much more often, except when I did, you told me you didn't want to be stroked.  So, maybe once every two weeks I'll just mildly hint at it. David Skolnik</body> </html>