Lowell Component Downbearing Gauge

[David Skolnik]

Originally written 5/7/07 - unsent

You know, there seems something of a pathology at large here.  I know 
the Lowell gauge is less than perfect, and some readings can be 
misleading due to bridge surface anomalies.  But it has been an 
invaluable analytical tool for me over the years, and it took years 
to get it back on the market, even without the modifications I was 
hoping for, including better balance and magnetic feet.  If I 
understand John D's post, it is still more accurate than the Wixey, 
which, given the price, I will probably try, just for fun.  I just 
wonder at our seeming zeal in sabotaging our few remaining suppliers.

Since writing the above, I ordered and received a  Wixey, and it is a 
fun toy, but it doesn't, in my view, come close to taking the place 
of the Lowell gauge.  Without getting into the details of distance or 
angular measurements, the Lowell will measure a single string, and 
can graphically represent the curvature of the bridge string segment 
(by moving the feet as close together as possible) and, in the 
process, indicate the presence of negative front termination-bearing, 
for whatever that might be worth.  Because of that curvature, I long 
ago stopped using it to measure front bearing in the originally 
instructed manner. I haven't seen the new ones yet, so I don't know 
if they were modified in any way, but magnets would certainly have 
been an improvement.

David Skolnik
Hastings on Hudson, NY