<html> At 10:19 PM 01/21/2000 -0800, you wrote: >List, > >I am restringing soon and thought I'd get some input on >different styles.  I remember a Nick Gravange (spelling) class I >took where he had his wire in a typical 1 lb steel case with >cover.  He placed it on a small box.  The wire went from the >case through a piece with a small hole down to the piano.  He >would pull the wire down through the agraffe or such up to the >pin, coil it in a small block and drive it into the block.  Then >guide the other end around the hitch pin and back to the pin >for rough cutting.  I am intrigued with this method but do it >differently.  I pre-cut all my wire on the long side.  Both ends >go into the agraffes or such are pulled with some regular >tension with a gauge and clipped.  Then each is coiled and >driven into the block.  > >Any other techniques? > >David I. >David Ilvedson, RPT >Pacifica, CA >ilvey@jps.net > David, The later technique is what I have been doing for years and will not change. By precutting the wire, making a bend for the hitch pin and inserting the ends through the agraffes; you are reducing the chances for twisting the wire. A gage for cutting the wire maintains a consistent becket alignment when the string is at pitch. It also helps in the corners where 'four fingers' can get scrunched. Useing '4fingers' is a quick method but unless you are a practiced stringer a gage is the best insurance. I have an image file and info sheet on making a wire cutting gage if anyone is interested, I call it the Becket Tool. Another benefit of knowing your beckets will be regimented is during chipping. While lifting the wire with a hook, turn the pin until the becket is pointing between 12:00 & 1:00. Next chipping pull to 2:00. Next to 3:00 (if your gage is calibrated for this execution). From there it's tuning as usual. Chipping by becket placement is a lot quicker than plucking, listening & turning the pin. Neatness counts, <div>Jon Page,   piano technician</div> <div>Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass.</div> <div><a href="mailto:jonpage@mediaone.net" EUDORA=AUTOURL>mailto:jonpage@mediaone.net</a></div> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </html>