Hi Carl. I doubt seriously you will ever get a clear definitive answer to your question. Dissagreement exists even concerning fundemental string vibrational behaviours, and not just by pianotechs. One thing should be (I say should be) without doubt. Various end conditions of strings most certainly do affect string vibrational behaviour and in turn influence sustain, vibrational directions, energy transfer to the bridge and soundboard, strengths of partials, and others. Its easy enough to hear and measure more then significant change when changes are made. Personally, I like what Ed McMorrow had to say on the subject. A short bit in his book and I only mention it because you used the word "pivot" in your note. It is part of his reasoning as to how the front duplex functions. I have to also agree with his observation that the best capo condition is a 0.5 mm V (not U) on non hardened surface. He has some interesting points also as to how capo grooving can differ for different capo solutions, and how these differences play out in terms of string noises over time. Wapin has some hard science to back up his claims worth reading. Been a while since I've heard from them so I am not sure what they have out for public reading any more. Contact him for more info. He has always been more then friendly and helpful in the past. You raise an interesting subject to be sure. Cheers RicB Carl Writes: Here's my question: A vibrating string has two terminations. It is excited in the northern direction. (Ignore the strike point) What effect on tone will be the termination of the two ends of the string????? Both north, one north and the other south, east or west???? Or no big difference??
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