<HTML>In a message = dated 3/6/04 8:07:34 AM Pacific Standard Time, michael@gambles.fsnet.co.uk w= rites: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-= LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">You mentioned "lifting the = strings" Could you explain the method, and the why's and wherefore's here?</= BLOCKQUOTE> Michael, I'll start off with a few tidbits. Others will undoubtedly jump in and o= ffer a far greater wealth of knowledge. LIfting the strings is done to level them in relation to their neigbors = and is done with a string hook(not to be confused with a stringing hook: &nb= sp;see Schaff, or other similar catalogue).  If the strings are not lev= el, you will notice it in tuning(one string will sound softer or louder than= its neighbors, for instance), uneven hammer wear, and voicing. What you're doing is hooking under the string near the hammer strike poi= nt, and pulling up rather firmly on the T-handle in order to alter the shape= of the bend under a termination point, thus levelling it with its neighbors= .  It isn't possible to mate hammer with strings if the strings are not= level with each other. Hope this helps, Dave Stahl</HTML>