HPSCHD-L Archives

Harpsichords and Related Topics

HPSCHD-L@LIST.UIOWA.EDU

Options: Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Anne Acker <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Harpsichords and Related Topics <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 20 Jun 2016 14:33:25 +0000
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (55 lines)
It absolutely depends upon the instrument and especially where it is located during the storage time. Having lived in the southeastern United States where tropical storms and their larger meaner cousins inhabit the area periodically, I have witnessed what the dramatic changes in barometric pressure and humidity can do to a stringband. The pitch can raise several semitones, causing many strings to pop. In that case, if people are going to be gone for long, I recommend dropping the pitch a semitone. Bringing strings up a semitone should not cause breaking strings, in my experience, unless there are other issues related to the wire or stringing. 

AA 

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

From: "Dongsok Shin" <[log in to unmask]> 
To: [log in to unmask] 
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 9:12:55 AM 
Subject: Re: Storing an instrument 

Interesting question, and it depends a lot on the instrument. I have 
found that Dowd harpsichords in New York City, that goes from cold DRY 
winters to hot HUMID summers go up in pitch over a half step when the 
seasons change. So the result can be broken strings. Perhaps, if you 
live in an area like that, then it would be wise. But if seasonal 
differences are not extreme as they are here, then I don't see why you 
should do this. You are just as likely to break strings when pulling 
them back up to pitch. 
Dongsok 

On 6/20/2016 7:57 AM, George Debono wrote: 
> Dear Colloeagues, need a spot of advice: 
> 
> If an instrument is stored for weeks or months & not played pending 
> removal to another location, should the strings be slackened ? 
> 
> I think not but maybe I'm wrong? 
> 
> George 
> 
> (from hot sunny Malta) 
> 
> :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 
> 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 . 
> :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 
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 . 
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 


::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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 .
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

ATOM RSS1 RSS2