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Harpsichords and Related Topics

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Subject:
From:
Peter Bavington <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Harpsichords and Related Topics <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 21 Nov 2003 22:16:36 -0000
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As far as I know Röslau manufacture hard-drawn steel piano wire, either
plain or tin-plated, and in all sizes including those that might be thought
appropriate for harpsichords. It is enormously strong - will go up to a c2
equivalent of 17 inches - but it is exceedingly stiff and as a result
produces severe inharmonicity when used on harpsichords. It can easily be
detected by its insubstantial 'steely' sound. Almost anything else would
sound better: its only use in harpsichords is where the scale is too long
for anything else, either because the maker made a mistake or because he
was under the influence of some theory, fashionable at one stage, according
to which the longer the scale the better (e.g. some Michael Thomas doubles)
- or perhaps where someone has extended an FF-f3 designed instrument to
include top f#3 and g3, and in consequence the scale has had to be
stretched for the top few notes, so that here maybe Röslau is a safe
option, and it does not matter too much sound-wise since one hears little
except the fundamental in these top few notes.

Röslau is also a fearful nuisance to use: hard to wind into loops and on to
the pin because of its stiffness; and frequently draws blood if you
accidentally prick yourself with the cut end; and you need harder than
usual wire clippers. I have some in stock: very rarely touch it.

Peter Bavington
Harpsichord and Clavichord Maker
291 Sprowston Mews
London E7 9AE
England
Tel and fax: +44 (0)20 8519 1170
 e-mail: [log in to unmask]
http://www.bavington.nildram.co.uk

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