bridges/seating

[Thomas D. Seay, III]

List,

There seem to be many pianos whose tone is greatly improved by LIGHTLY
seating the strings in the speaking length, just at the front bridge pin,
and at the same angle of the pin. For others, this procedure doesn't seem
to have any noticeable effect at all.

In my opinion, the decision whether to seat strings or not should always be
made on a piano by piano basis. If you can see movement in the strings as
you lightly seat them and you can hear an improvement in their sound,
continue seating the strings. If you can see no movement of the strings and
can hear no improvement in their sound, you probably don't need to continue.

When done correctly and efficiently, light string seating only takes about
5-10 minutes or less, doesn't damage the bridge (unless you are overcome by
demons and start pounding), and the end result is often a more clear and
focused sound as a result of the improved termination.

Best wishes.

Tom


Tom Seay
School of Music
The University of Texas at Austin