<html> <body> Thanks Dale. I've been doing just that but I'm not happy with the repeatability of measurements. There's just got to be a better way. Any other gauges out there? I seem to remember a Journal article with a dial gauge of some kind. Am I dreaming? Greg Newell At 11:19 PM 5/31/2004, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">In a message dated 5/31/2004 7:53:35 PM Pacific Standard Time, gnewell@ameritech.net writes: <dl> <dd>List, <dd>         I'm having some difficulties achieving consistent downbearing <dd>measurements. I'm struggling with the Lowell gauge and each time I move it <dd>and then attempt a repeat I start with a completely different reading that <dd>I zeroed in before. The little "V"'s in the bottom of the feet don't seem <dd>to sit very well upon the string in any segment. I think it's because the <dd>tool isn't heavy enough so it rocks too easily. Are there any better tools <dd>available and if not has anyone modified theirs to give less trouble? I'd <dd>like to modify the Lowell gauge to use rare earth magnets as it's feet if <dd>there's nothing else available. Any idea's on how to accomplish that? <dd>Greg Newell <dd>Greg's piano Forté <dd><a href="mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net" eudora="autourl">mailto:gnewe= ll@ameritech.net</a> </dl> Greg    I find a light touch gives better reading. Get it set &= just try to balance it or hold it lightly.  I keep the feet= fairly  well extended when ever possible for less instability.    Dale     Erwins Pianos Restorations 4721 Parker Rd. Modesto, Ca 95357 209-577-8397 Rebuilt Steinway , Mason &Hamlin Sales <a href="http://www.erwinspiano.com/"= eudora="autourl">www.Erwinspiano.com</a></blockquote> <x-sigsep></x-sigsep> Greg Newell Greg's piano Forté <a href="mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net"= eudora="autourl">mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net</a></body> </html>