As an amateur, I once foolishly tried to tune my Zuckermann Flemish IX up 1/2 step so that I could maintain the use of the top D for a Bach sonata with the keyboard in the 415 position and a violinist at modern pitch.



Stunned by the resulting couple of broken strings with what I thought a minor change, it was Ton Amir of Klinkhamer who explained the desirable change in timbre as strings are stretched near their breaking point.



And indeed, in a Minnesota Climate ranging easily from winter humidity of 20% to 80% on certain summer days, this instrument was in storage in my new house for a summer and was nearly 1/2 step sharp when I got it upright one day.



A friend bought a Willard Martin from a local church where it had sat unused for many years and considered a lost cause, because of all the broken strings. 



So if humidity is widely variable where the instrument will be stored, be sure tune it 1/2 step low on a dry day, or to pitch at the end of a very humid day.



Bruce





-----Original Message-----

From: Harpsichords and Related Topics [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Anne Acker

Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2016 2:03 PM

To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: Re: Storing an instrument



I completely agree with Richard below. I have never seen structural damage unless the roof has blown off and the hurricane flooded the house interior....and yes, I have seen that. 



AA 



----- Original Message -----



From: "Richard Schaumloffel" <[log in to unmask]> 





I think if an instrument is not overstrung it should normally be built with a lot of margin for safety with the tension increase due to climate changes, string breakage is more of an issue. 





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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 .

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