I agree Wim, That is exactly the same method I use.  When restringing a whole piano, however, I only tune sharp by 30-35 cents for three to four tunings, then tune at 440, then re-settle the strngs with tapping at bridges, re squeezing beckets, tightening coils, releveling, if needed, then tune again perhaps slightly above 440.  If it is the humid time of year, I'll just tune at 440 as nature will pull it sharp for a few months.  Then, it's pretty stable after that. Best, Paul <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td width=40%>Wimblees@aol.com Sent by: caut-bounces@ptg.org 06/05/2007 06:02 PM <table border> <tr valign=top> <td bgcolor=white> <div align=center>Please respond to College and University Technicians <caut@ptg.org></div></table> <td width=59%> <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>To</div> <td>caut@ptg.org <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>cc</div> <td> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>Subject</div> <td>Re: [CAUT] pre-stretching new string?</table> <table> <tr valign=top> <td> <td></table> </table> In a message dated 6/5/07 2:29:29 P.M. Central Daylight Time, Cramer@brandonu.ca writes: In last month's discussion of wire stretch, someone mentioned pulling a new string a semitone sharp to take care of any future stretch along all its segments. Is a 'semitone' overpull common practice for new (plain-wire) strings? Would you do this as part of a full re-stringing as well, or is this just a habit when trying to get a new single-string replacement stable? I've never done so, but can't see the harm with fresh new wire. Anyone want to educate me on the subject? thanks, Mark Cramer Brandon University Mark   When I put a new string on a piano, I over pull it one semitone. Then I tune the rest of the piano. Just before I leave, I drop the string to a couple of cents above the note, and tell the customer it will be sour for a few days, and to call me when she thinks it needs to be tuned again. For a concert, I would also pull it up, and let it sit there for as long as possible, then tune it.   As far as restringing, what I've done is take the first note in the treble, and chip it a half step high. Then aurally chip the whole piano. By the time the strings stretch and with the weight on the board, the first note is already a full step low. I then use a string stretcher to get as much of the stretch out of the string. The first tuning I put on it is 25 cents sharp, just like a pitch raise. I treat each subsequent tuning, a day later, 2 days later 4 days later, and so on, as a pitch raise until the piano stays at A440.   Wim <hr>See what's free at <a href="http://www.aol.com?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000503" target=_blank>AOL.com</a>.