Since I've read the first post on this subject, I've been wondering. If the small indentation the string makes in the bridge can reduce sustain, is it a good thing to tap strings on the bridge to get rid of false beats? It seems to me that by tapping the strings, we would be driving the strings in the bridge. Would it be better just to tap the bridge pin? Also, is it the sanding that improves the sustain or could it be only the renotching? I'm curious to find out what you all think. Marcel Carey, RPT Sherbrooke, QC >At 07:46 AM 4/2/97 -0500, you wrote: >>I agree with Michael and Vince about the bridges being very important. I may >>suggest that, if possible, it isn't always necessary to recap. The sustain >>can be increased by removing the old bridge pins, sanding the bridge until >>the string grooves just disappear, renotching (if necessary), and installing >>new bridge pins. Takes about 4 hours. >> >>Bill Spurlock had an article on this in the Journal. I've done this several >>times and it works quite well. I finished rebuilding a S&S L last month with >>very little sustain. Used the same board, but did this repair. The piano is >>very live now. It is already a favorite at the school it belongs to. >> >>Tim Coates >>University of South Dakota >> > >One more thing. I'd recommend epoxy or CA with the new bridge pins. This >will stabilize the wood, and make a nice tight bridge pin that won't produce >false beats next winter when the humidity drops. > > Ron Nossaman > >
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