Pianotech

  • 1.  Gauge measuring - under tension or not - is there a difference?

    Posted 07-01-2020 21:38
    When measuring string gauges for restringing, is there a significant difference to the measurement when under tension or is it immaterial in practical terms?

    Best wishes

    David P

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    David Pinnegar BSc ARCS
    Hammerwood Park, East Grinstead, Sussex, UK
    +44 1342 850594
    "High Definition" Tuning
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  • 2.  RE: Gauge measuring - under tension or not - is there a difference?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-01-2020 22:24
    I've always reduced tension on the strings before measuring them. I don't think it make a difference. At least not that I know of, and I've never heard any different.

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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  • 3.  RE: Gauge measuring - under tension or not - is there a difference?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-02-2020 01:02
    It's immaterial in practical terms.

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    David Love RPT
    www.davidlovepianos.com
    davidlovepianos@comcast.net
    415 407 8320
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  • 4.  RE: Gauge measuring - under tension or not - is there a difference?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-02-2020 12:02
    Some string makers will ask you if you measure the wound section of bass strings at tension or not. I’ve been told there’s a 5mm difference in winding length.

    I wound imagine the plain string at tension must be slightly narrower than one at rest. But it may not be a measurable difference?

    Joe Wiencek.




  • 5.  RE: Gauge measuring - under tension or not - is there a difference?

    Posted 07-02-2020 16:25
    The string length will change under tension, but the gauge will not change, at least not for our purposes. The danger if there is one, in measuring the gauge of a string without tension, is its inherent propensity to curve or coil. If the string does not lie perfectly flat on the anvil of the micrometer, a measurement error can creep in. Be sure to take this into account when using a micrometer. (And do not use calipers for measuring string gauges)
    .

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    Jurgen Goering
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