<HTML>In a message dated 2/25/02 5:40:49 PM Central Standard Time, davidlovepianos@earthlink.net writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">I think the general way stability is taught is backwards:  i.e., tune soft and test with a few hard blow.  For the best stability I think you should tune with hard blows and then test soft where you can hear (or read) small deviations. David Love </BLOCKQUOTE> Dave I agree with you. I tune rather hard, but hit the note soft when I have to listen carefully to a false beat, or get a unison in place. I just tune the concert hall piano, and I probably did 10 - 12 "test" blows on each string, to make sure the piano will hold for the Rach 3, which is what is on the program. Wim </HTML>