Hi Geoff Not exactly, but within the parameters of what the actual string segment length allows for, yes. Thats what I'd call <<tuning>> the back duplex. Determining and setting this segment length is the other half of the whole thing. Goes without saying really. That is done by adjusting the position of the bars just forward of the hitch pins. A little study into what the back duplex is "meant" to do, and a little experimentation with both adjusting the string segment lengths and, once thats done, tuning the string segment as per your answer below can be quite interesting. Its not particularly time consuming either. The front duplex in principal is the same thing. Its just harder to adjust the length because it involves as a rule grinding down the plate and installing some sort of counterbearing bar. Older Steinways had an adjustable system here.... wish they still had really. But thats another issue. Cheers RicB So setting the back duplex is more or less a process of massaging that so-called non-speaking length of the string until you like where it is, correct? With the amount of friction across the bridge pins I understand that once it is set it's pretty much going to stay there. Since the front duplex does change whenever you tune the piano, are we pretty much stuck with wherever it decides it's going to be once we have stabilized the string with some firm key whacks? I frequently find these much more objectionable, than the rear ones. And louder, too. -- Geoff Sykes -- Los Angeles
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