Depends on the instrument - I look after dozens of different ones, some 
with very old strings, rusty, and brittle old brass, others that are 
scaled a little on the long side. Then there are the students learning 
to tune, the wild swings in humidity (especially when students leave 
windows open overnight...!!!)

It's always possible to measure with the micrometer in the instrument - 
sometimes though, it's a hassle, and especially if the angles are 
awkward, in low light, and with the less-flexible treble strings, I 
can't help but think that there must be a better way!

Jonathan


On 28/05/17 03:36 AM, David Pickett wrote:
> I am sorry, but I dont see the problem here.  Given the finite number
> of string diameters on a given instrument, the micrometer you have
> should be perfectly adequate to distinguish them, moreover, it doesnt
> need a battery!  Measuring the strings in situ should be quite
> possible and I have done it often.  The distance between strings in
> my instruments is about 11 mm and that between the anvil and the edge
> of my micrometer, which looks identical to the one in the picture, is
> less than 10 mm.  The strings are not so highly tensioned that they
> will not move a little sideways and using the micrometer at a slight
> angle allows the jaws to close easily.
>
> Perhaps the real question is: "Why are your strings breaking?"  I
> have had brass loops slip, but even when I have temporarily started
> tuning the wrong string, I havent had a string break in years.
>
> David
>
>
> At 02:59 28-05-17, Jonathan Addleman wrote:
>
>>I usually use a simple mechanical micrometer, like this one:
>>http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=32605&cat=1,43513
>>whenever I need to measure a string - this is usually when one has
>>broken and I want to replace it with the right size. The tool works
>>well for that - it's quick and easy, and doesn't take up much space
>>or add too much weight to the took kit.
>>
>>However, sometimes I want to measure strings that are already on the
>>instrument, either to check the neighbours of a missing string to
>>choose a replacement, or just to see what sizes of wire it's using.
>>The micrometer is not so good for that - it's hard to fit in between
>>the strings, and harder to read the numbers when you do!
>>
>>Are there other possibilities? Some kind of calipers that would be
>>accurate enough for strings? Any other system people have come up
>>with for measuring strings on an instrument?
>
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-- 
Jonathan Addleman - http://www.redowl.ca

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Note:  opinions  expressed on HPSCHD-L are those of the  individual con-
tributors and not necessarily  those of the list owners  nor of the Uni-
versity of Iowa.  For a brief  summary of list  commands, send mail to
[log in to unmask]  saying  HELP .
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::