Duaine, I replace strings weekly.  When I pull them up to pitch ( at first some 30 cents sharp), I pound the heck out of them for a minute or so.  Then I re-pull them up (again some 20 cents sharp).  Then I overstretch them by less than a semi-tone; pound them in again many times.  Then when I'm done, I'll leave the new strings sharp about 10-15 cents sharp and somewhat stable.  After a week, they'll be close.  You'll still need to revisit a couple of times to touch them up, but that seems to work for me in our practice rooms and piano profs.....I wouldn't go a half step up except for the initial stringing and settling of the string and tuning pin.  Pound in, do it again, pound in, do it again, pound in, do it again, then leave it a bit sharp. Visit the church Friday afternoon and check it for a couple weeks.  It'll get better each time. Thanks for asking a really relevant question here! It's refreshing!  :>) Good Luck! Paul <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td>From: <td>Duaine Hechler <dahechler@att.net> <tr valign=top> <td>To: <td>pianotech@ptg.org <tr valign=top> <td>Date: <td>04/01/2011 01:53 PM <tr valign=top> <td>Subject: <td>[pianotech] Optimum way to stretch a new string</table> <hr noshade> <tt>I have recently put on a couple of new string for a church grand piano and I've been called back about 3 times to tune-up the string. Since they use the piano every Sunday, what is the optimum or best way to stretch the string to keep in place. Is the following way - a good way to break the string or will it take the stretching? Twice now, I've pulled the string up to the next note (ex. G to G#), let it sit for a few seconds then tune it back down to (G). Would it break going up 2 notes (ex. G to A) ? TYIA, Duaine -- Duaine Hechler Piano, Player Piano, Pump Organ Tuning, Servicing&  Rebuilding Reed Organ Society Member Florissant, MO 63034 (314) 838-5587 dahechler@att.net </tt><a href=www.hechlerpianoandorgan.com><tt>www.hechlerpianoandorgan.com</tt></a><tt> -- Home&  Business user of Linux - 11 years </tt>