<html> <body> Hi Del               I have too much evidence to the contrary.  The end of the knot becomes a theoretical termination point, and the helix is almost incapable of flexing. So many pianos have about a 55mm knot at A0,  and only about 7-10mm of flexible string.  James had a clear demonstration model at the Cal state convention.  The reaction of all that saw it was wow! The vibration time of the new knot vs an English loop is about 3 times greater.  To the previous writer, it is not Del's hitch pins.  But was developed and patented by Harold Conklin of the Baldwin piano company. Whilst Conklin's design was a big step forward. I feel the knot also adds some thing.  The feed back on my prototype 6'4'' Knabe at NAMM received very positive results. Side by side comparisons of the three models re scaled, has been a very obvious improvement.. Regards Roger <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">The German loop is unnecessary with vertical hitches. Of the two, vertical hitches are acoustically superior but they are different. Most piano manufacturers are frightened out of their teeth when they encounter anything different. Del _______________________________________________ pianotech list info: <a href="https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives" eudora="autourl"> https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives</a></blockquote> </body> </html>