OT: Guitar tuning stability (was Re: PRs climbing sharper (OT)

[invader@northlink.com]

>>...Wish I still had the cedar-top Yairi-Alvarez I used to own...
> 
> I currently own a CY140.
> 
>>The bridge insert has about a 2mm
>>offset for the 3rd (G) string to make it that much longer in the
>>speaking length. I understand string physics and music theory but I
>>don't understand this since the fret spacing is the same for all
>>strings. (?)
> 
> Ed Foote has explained this sometime in the past. Something to do  with
> balancing out the intervals for the 2nd string
> 
>>I don't know how much
>>inharmonicity there is in nylon strings, but there must be some. So
>>what have the luthiers done, here?
> 
> Can't address the luthiers, but have installed Thomastik-Infeld 
> Classical Guitar Fiber/Silverplated Copper Round Wound Medium Light, 
> .022 - .044 on this CY140. Noticeable difference in 
> clarity/intonation.
> http://www.juststrings.com/toi-cc122.html
> 
> I actually did not enjoy this instrument with 2 other brands of 
>strings until I installed Thomastik-Infeld. They are made in Austria.
> 
>>I've only tried tuning to beats on this one guitar and find it very
>>difficult, presumably because of inharmonicity and/or fret placement
>>and/or the 3rd string bridge offset. I'll have to experiment with
>>"piano tuning" other guitars.
> 
> Some guitars just won't come into focus to my sense of hearing. So I 
> avoid playing them if at all possible, or if I am put in a position  to
> do so, I just turn off part of my hearing.
> 
>>As to your list: 1) Don't know exactly what you mean by "stability of
>>the instrument,"
> 
> There are some instruments that are just not stable. Any movement 
> alters the tuning to some degree. Same with pianos. Some are very 
> susceptible to movement.
> 
>>2) tuning pegs/gears are typical, high-end Japanese and seem
>>solid,
> 
> I also have a 1975 DY95N Yairi Acoustic that didn't seem to hold a 
> tune very well after I had played it for years. Did numerous 
> alternate tunings on it. I replaced the Grovers tuning pegs with a  new
> set, and the tuning instability went away completely.
> 
> I minimally change the tuning on that guitar now to maintain its 
>stability. I am in the process of searching and buying a couple of 
>other guitars to keep each one of those dedicated for the alternate 
>tunings I touch base with from time to time.
> 
>>We've said this is OT but there ARE parallels to piano issues, here.
>>Thanks,
>>Alan Barnard
> 
> Granted, I feel a connection to some degree between the two fields.
> 
> Good luck finding a guitar that truly satisfies. Same for a piano.
> 
> Keith McGavern
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