Quoting Peter W Redstone <[log in to unmask]>:

> Mr. (scarlatti) Perkins asked about the Acme Pluck-O-Meter.  It is a
> spring
> balance with which one can achieve _exactly_ similar pluck from note
> to note.

<SNIP>

> Using it has revealed some interesting facts: some harpsichords need
> harder
> and harder pluck to achieve an even sound as the scale descends,
> while others
> do not.

Here I'm confused.  From the brief description of the device (which
sounds like a handy tool--is it anything that could be easily
replicated for home use? any chance of a picture and directions?) it
sounds like it somehow measures the force of the pluck, yet you go on
to say that, on some harpsichords, the force must increase (that is,
not an even pluck), which would indicate that something sonic (an ear
will do) rather than a spring may be the best tool.  I hope you can
elaborate a bit.

Thanks,

Ray