Coupled strings and pitch drop

[A440A@aol.com]

Rich writes:
<< Each string
in the coupled set vibrates as if it were slightly more massive, so a shift
down in pitch. >>

     Yes, this is one factor. However, I believe there are others that have to
be considered.  
      In the Five Lectures Book, I believe it is Anders and Askenfeldt(Sp?) or
maybe even Hall that describes the effect of increasing the flexibility, (and
the movement that results),  of the terminus.  It is shown that the additional
movement of the bridge will cause the string to "see" a point of termination
that is behind the bridge pin, effectively sounding flatter than if the end
point were  more rigid. 
   <now he moves out on the well-scorched target, where it is easy to get a
shot at him,  no time to mention temperament.........>

    Could the unison, when allowed to sound, be causing more bridge movement,
thus causing the phenomenom of "longer than absolute length" come into play,
showing up as lower pitch?   
     Perhaps those that want to measure such things could find out if there is
a degree of flattening when two strings are compared to one?  And is this
greater or lesser than when the third string is allowed to sound.  

Regards, 
Ed Foote
( this seems like the sort of project that could use the RCT's
capabilities...??)