Harpsichord string loop question

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi Joe:

If one holds harpsichord wire near the end and hooks it with the wire handle
of a rubber mute, one can twist it in the fashion illustrated below to
form the hitch pin loop. Use enough tension to pull the wire into no more
than a 90 degree bend and make several twists (1"). If the angle and tension
are too great, brass wire will break, if the angle and twist are too small
the loop can slip under tension and eventually break. At the end of the
1" twist, keep tension on the main part of the wire while the remaining 
pigtail is wrapped around the main part of the wire 4 or 5 times.


          \
            \
              \
                \                                       
                  \                          _____________________
                    \                      /                     |
                      O-------------------                       |
                    /                      \_____________________|
                  /     
                /
              /
            /
           (___   pigtail end
            

Jim Coleman, Sr.



On Sat, 5 Sep 1998, Joe & Penny Goss wrote:

> Stephen, IMHD
> Enlighten us as to the proper procedure. What should we look for in a
> correctly tied string.
> Here is surely an individual who would like to become competent. Through
> much practice like yourself. I really enjoy your posts.
> Joe 
> ----------
> > From: Stephen Birkett <birketts@wright.aps.uoguelph.ca>
> > To: pianotech@ptg.org
> > Subject: Re: Harpsichord string loop question
> > Date: Saturday, September 05, 1998 10:19 PM
> > 
> > Ken:
> > > Is it typical for a harpsichord string's loop, down at the hitch pin,
> to
> > > often or sometimes come loose? ....
> > > So, I am wondering if this is a common thing to happen or perhaps the
> > > original loops were not securely constructed? 
> > >
> > Properly wound hitchpin loops are completely secure and should not "work 
> > loose". If they do it is incompetence on the part of the stringer.
> > 
> > Stephen
> > 
> > Stephen Birkett Fortepianos
> > Authentic Reproductions of 18th and 19th Century Pianos
> > 464 Winchester Drive
> > Waterloo, Ontario
> > Canada N2T 1K5
> > tel: 519-885-2228
> > email: birketts@wright.aps.uoguelph.ca
> > 
>