German loops on M Bass strings

[David Love]

Yes and no.  My approach in these situations is to allow for adequate
bearing no matter what loop is used-and maybe even a tad more.  Then shim
underneath the felt which lines the hitch pin shelf to accurately set the
bearing on the bass bridge once the treble and tenor is strung and brought
close to pitch.  That will capture a more accurate reading of actual
deflection on the soundboard assembly and allow for setting up the bass
bridge more accurately.  Especially important if you are maintaining one of
those cantilevered jobs.  Installing a plate float system helps a bit in
tweaking things as well.  

 

Also, with respect to a previous posting (not yours Dale) suggesting there
is no quantitative data to support the use of such loops, it is fairly easy
to demonstrate, if not quantify, the difference in stiffness between the two
different types especially where the backscale is relatively short.  The
relationship between greater mobility of the bass bridge and bass response
has also been explored fairly thoroughly and is part of the tradition of
setting zero bearing on the bass bridge.  There is also a substantial body
of anecdotal evidence to support the use of this type of loop especially
when combined with a reexamination of core diameters and overall tension
levels.  Personally, I wouldn't wait until all the numbers are in to move to
such a philosophy of dealing with the bass, especially the monochords and on
those pianos with shorter backscales.    

 

 

David Love
davidlovepianos at comcast.net
www.davidlovepianos.com 

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Erwinspiano at aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 7:21 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: German loops on M Bass strings

 

  Hi Ron

  I totally agree. Double wrap etc. However bearing problems can occur when
retrofitting these loops to an existing bridge where the bearing load was
designed for the twist style loop, which lays quite a bit lower than the
German loop which, sits up higher on the hitch pin.  

    Also Something to consider when bridge caps are being replaced...... one
needs to Decide up front to use them & set your bridge height
accordingly..... &  uhh....not as an after thought.  amhIk

  Dale

 

 

 

 

The standard M scale at A 1 has a speaking length of 124 cm. With the
standard 1.5 mm core and a wrap diameter of 5.6, nothing much is going to
happen down there with the stock spec', regardless of how good or otherwise
the sound board might be. I'd suggest a re-scale with something like 1.3 or
1.225 for the core with a double wrap taken up to around 6.0 or a bit more.
If you double loop the eyes as well you'll get it cracking (I'd better
mention that a shorter version of the standard old twisted eye will go
pretty hard as well, if you use vertical hitches with it - uncle Ron N is a
big fan of that approach).  But talk to Jim A as well. He's capable of
firing a few ideas at you.

 

Ron O.

 

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