[pianotech] string scale

[Joseph Garrett]

Matthew asked: "Does anyone know where I can find (or happen to have)?a
string scale for an Ivers & Pond 1924 Grand, Scale 73?? It is not in the
"Guide to Stringing" by Travis.? Any help appreciated, thanks so much!"
 
Matthew, (with 2 t's<G>)
Sigh. This question just keeps coming back to the surface. It assumes that
what is in the book, etc. is correct! My experience says different.
The best way to do it, is to take all the measurements of the existing
speaking lengths and all the wire sizes. The most important part is to take
the BASS measurements. This is the main thing that is wrong with the travis
book. It only addresses the plain wire part of the scale! THEN, techs just
send the bass strings off to who knows and assume that the scale was the
best that it can be and the string maker is going to duplicate them
....exactly. Too many wrong assumptions to even think about in one
sentence! 
I strongly urge all to do the"math" or do all the measurements and send the
data to someone, like myself, that will analyze the existing scale and then
make the changes to give the optimum. If you are computer literate you can
do this. Ya really don't have to be some kind of math whiz kid!<G> The
formulae are available to all. Most techs make a spread sheet for this.
There are two ready made programs, out there, that will get you up and
running faster. They are from Mark Gallant, Assoc., Portland Chapter or
Tremaine Parsons, R.P.T., Sacramento Chapter. 
Yes, it takes a goodly amount of time to do all of this, but if you are
"re..whatevering", you need to have this skill!! Otherwise, leave the
"re..whatevering" to those that can/do.<G>
BTW, this is NOT RESCALING! (oooohhh the dreaded word!<G>) This is simply
taking given data, knowing the basic intent of the designer, eliminating
factory snafus and making it optimum for the given perameters available.
Once you've done this it's a must forever more.
Best Regards,
Joe


Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
Captain of the Tool Police
Squares R I