Dear list, As I remember, the fact that a material that is used for string winding seems to work the best has to do with the weight of the material that is winded (is that a word?). The fact that copper seems to work the best doesn't mean that COPPER has some magical properties but only the fact that the weight that it loads on the speaking length may be optimal for that string length. It is my opinion that Aluminum in the few notes from the middle before the bass break makes sense. Usually the string length and string diameter causes those note to have lower tension, that by winding them with aluminum, tension could be increased to match more closely the notes as they go up from that area. Does anyone know if aluminum is harder to work with than copper in these small diameters of winding material. I am surprised that more makers don't use this to their advantage to get closer string tension in the low middle section. Since the pianos that used aluminum seem to come from Charles Frederick Steins' stable does anyone know if he was on the right track. If so why wasn't this practice widely adapted. Charles had some strange ideas, I know. Is anyone aware of any written material about Stein stating his principles and philosophies in scale design.... or... did his designs send Story & Clark and Lowrey on their way to closure? Open for discussion and opinions. James Grebe from St. Louis pianoman@inlink.com
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