PSCALE

Windows 3.1, Win98, WinNT, Win2000, WinXP, & Win Vista32,
PscaleX

Computer Scaling Program for IBM & Compatible Computers

(c) Tremaine Parsons RPT 1989-2007
Box 241 Georgetown CA. 95634
530-333-1369
Internet: http://www.goptools.com
Email: ptools@goptools.com

Note: 28andup.doc contains all new program additions
Also: Additional Reference (at bottom of this document)

Certain portions of this manual, in particular, Graphics/Dos
and File Compare should not be used in the PscaleX
Cross Platform Environment.
Graphics/Dos is still included for legacy reasons but
Graphics/Win is improved and allows full mouse control.

CONTENTS

General Overview   ..............................................   2

Using This Manual   .............................................   3
 
PSCALE Program Files  ...........................................   4

Taking a Quick Tour  (The Main Menu and Sub Menus)  .............   4

Editing Scale Data  (Plain Wire Step By Step)  ..................   9

Working on Bass Strings  (Bass Rescale Step by Step)  ...........  10

Taking Scale Measurements  ......................................  16

Entering New Scale Data  ........................................  19

Margins of Error for Bass Strings  ..............................  23

Before You Order Bass Strings  ..................................  24

General Scaling Considerations and Guidelines ...................  25

Possible Problems and Anomalies  ................................  26

Plain / Copper Wire Data  .......................................  30

PSCALE Registration Form  .......................................  32

Additional Reference (Addl. Topics & Addendums)  ................  33

 

Disclaimer

	The author, Tremaine Parsons, has taken due care in the preparation of this document and the associated programs and provides a 30 day money back guarantee (from the time the purchaser receives Pscale). In no event will Tremaine Parsons be liable for damages of any kind, incidental or consequential, in regard to or arising out of the use, performance, or form of this material presented herein and in the programs accompanying this document. No representation is made regarding the suitability of this product for any particular purpose.

Single Computer License

	The price paid for a single copy of Pscale entitles you to use the program on a single computer. You may remove it from the computer and use it on another, but at no time are you allowed to make multiple copies available for others to use without the express written consent of the publisher.

General Overview

	This computer program was designed to help piano technicians analyze and/or modify piano scales. The primary function of Pscale is to calculate and plot inharmonicity, tension, and breaking point percent based on the speaking length and wire diameters entered for each respective note of the piano scale.

	Pscale allows the user to change wire diameters and speaking lengths (if you want to re-cap/move the bridges) in order to smooth out the inharmonicity and tension on the more poorly scaled pianos.

	While Bass strings require additional copper wrap diameters, this is often the section of the scale with the most room for improvement. It is possible that many Bass scales were derived empirically ,or, perhaps borrowed from other pianos. Most piano technicians have had the opportunity to tune  pianos (particularly small grands) with totally un-tunable bass and to a lesser extent lower tenor sections. 

	Pscale is also helpful when the technician encounters those pianos with missing bass strings. Using the adjacent notes core diameter as a reference, if the speaking length, note number of the missing string, and distance from the speaking side bridge pin to the hitch pin are recorded, the technician can use PSCALE to determine the appropriate specs for a replacement string.

	With the significant contributions of the numerous people who have studied the effects of the different components that affect scale design, we are able to more closely assess possible modifications that can improve the sound/performance characteristics of many different pianos.

	Many thanks to Dr. Albert Sanderson, Dave Roberts, Jim Hayes, Eric Joslyn, John Travis, Franklin Miller, and William Braid White. These are only some of the noteworthy participants. I am sure that I have missed some that should be mentioned here, but all have my gratitude.

	In addition, many thanks to David Betts of The North Bennet St. School for his suggestions, encouragement, and error trapping.

	On a final note, I should add that the scope of this program is not to teach the user how to scale or re-scale any given piano but to serve as a tool in the study of possible modifications. 

	There are numerous published works regarding Scale Design and I encourage the user to pursue an understanding of scaling concepts through these means. (see General Scaling Considerations)

	The user should make every effort to realize all possible effects of a modified scale. Will a plate withstand an overall tension increase of 1%, 2% or more? How will this effect downbearing? All possible effects should always be considered.

 Program Installation

	All Program installation topics are covered in the Getting Started document shipped with the Pscale package.

Additional Note: You should make backup copies of this program disk(s) using the DOS diskcopy command. Refer to your DOS manual if you are unfamiliar with this procedure.

Using This Manual

	Please note that the Help section of the Pscale main menu contains the selections MANUAL, 28ANDUP, and EMAIL. 28ANDUP details new features added to both the DOS and Windows versions of Pscale that may not be covered in this document. EMAIL contains information on emailing scale files that may not be covered in this document.

	One convention of this manual: Any reference to the RETURN Key means the ENTER Key. Any reference to the ENTER Key means the RETURN key. They may also be designated: <ENTER> or <RETURN>

	My first suggestion is to print this document. Then scan the entire manual without regard to any specific step by step instructions. This will help provide an overview of the various program and scaling considerations.

Content:

Taking a Quick Tour
Editing Scale Data (Plain Wire)
Working On Bass Strings

	These sections detail step by step procedures using sample scale files provided with the Pscale program. It is recommended that you work through these sections using the associated Sample file(s) before you start a scale from your own piano(s).

Taking Scale Measurements
Entering Scale Data

	These sections specifically involve the piano that you want to analyze. Detailed step by step instructions are provided for taking your measurements and entering your scale data. However, once you have entered your scale data, you will have to refer to the Quick Tour, Editing Scale Data, and Working with Bass String sections, keeping your scale in mind.

	The remaining sections provide general additional information apart from any particular piano scale.

Pscale Program Files

Windows Version Specific:

PSCALE.OVR		The Pscale Version 3.0 Program
DBFNRUN.EXE		The Pscale Run Time Support .EXE
			( Start Command Syntax-> DBFNRUN.EXE PSCALE )
SCALEDIR.LST		Scale File Directory Info Database
SCALEDIR.TXT		Scale File Directory Info Backup
*.BNK			Scale File Templates
*.MEM			Preference Files
*.@			Font File(s) for Graphics Adapters
*.DBF			Scale Files
*.DTA			Recording Sheets

DOS version specific:

PSCALE.EXE		The Pscale version 3.0 Program
MSCALE.EXE		Dedicated Metric version 2.7 of Pscale
SETUP.CFG		The Pscale DOS Printer Configuration File
PSMANUAL.DOC	The DOS version Manual
*.TXT			The On-Screen Manual
*.@			Font File(s) for Graphics Adapters
*.DBF			Scale Files
FC.EXE		Fix Cursor for Unexpected Program Exit
CVT25.EXE		Program to Convert Earlier Scale Files
SAMPLE.SYS		Possible Example for Config.Sys
MKDATA.BAT		Program to Print Data Recording Sheets
*.DTA			Recording Sheets

Taking a Quick Tour

	There are two basic modes of operation while using this program. The menu selection mode, where you make menu selections to accomplish various tasks, and the edit mode where you enter or edit scale data.

	You should explore the menu and edit screens for they will give you a better understanding of the overall scope of this program. If you make a selection that requests information, you can always abandon the selection with the Esc key or Exit and Abandon buttons. The RETURN key is the same as the ENTER key

	The following line comprises the "main menu" of the program and is at the top of the screen while in menu selection mode.

File		Edit		View		Print		Set-Up		Help

	To select any of these choices, click the choice with the mouse or press the first letter of the choice. All of these choices will present a vertical list of additional "sub menu " choices. Selection of those items is performed in the same manner.

Set-Up:

Printer set-up is no longer required and leftover from legacy MS-Dos days. The only remaining Dos subroutine used by Pscale Win is the graph compare routine. To print theses graphs you must use the Save to .PCX option and open and print the saved graphics image with an image program.

Note: This Printer selection is only required to run “called” DOS graphing routines from Pscale for Windows. I recommend making this selection as there are still a few graphing routines that do not yet have 100% windows implementation.

	Let's start by choosing Set-Up to identify you printer. The highlight bar will be on Printer Type. Click Printer Type and you will be presented with a list from which you are to identify your printer. If your printer is not on the list, refer to your printer manual. It should be compatible with one that is listed. For example, Epson RX80 is compatible with Epson MX series, Panasonic's are compatible with IBM graphics printers (may require you to change a dip switch setting). If your printer is a dot matrix printer and you don't know what it emulates, pick IBM graphics printer. If your printer is a laser, pick HP LaserJet II 150dpi (the lower resolution will make little difference and graphs will print faster. 

	After you have selected(highlighted) your printer, press the Esc key and another box opens and you are requested to identify your printer port. This is almost always Lpt1 so enter Lpt1 (unless you know that it is Lpt2 etc.) and press the RETURN key. You will return to the Pscale main menu. 

Display Type is not currently required.

Graphics Win/DOS is a Preference selection that determines when Pscale for Windows loads the Windows graphing runtime support module or whether to call Windows or Dos graphing routines for certain graphing functions. In most cases you should not have to change these settings.

File:		(Main Menu)

	From the main menu click File and the File menu will open and present the following sub options:

New				(used for creating a new scale file)
Open				(used to select an existing scale)
Copy To			(used to copy an existing scale)
PSCALE for DOS		(used to run PSCALE for DOS)
MSCALE for DOS		(used to run MSCALE for DOS)
DOS Program			(used to run user defined DOS program)
Windows Program		(used to run user defined Win program)
Exit				(Exit the PSCALE program)

	Unless you are ready to enter new scale data, avoid New for the time being. Particulars of this sub option are covered in depth in Entering New Scale Data.

Open and Copy To invoke the same (throw back from the Dos version) mini scale file manager. Make either of these selections and you will open the mini file manager and see two columns of information. The left column is a list of scale files in DOS Filename format. The right column contains descriptive info linked to the DOS filename. The top row of buttons are for file management (New, Open, Delete, Sort, Rename etc.). This is a mini file manager for your scale files. To modify the file INFO, click the appropriate line of the INFO column, enter/change the INFO, press the down or up arrow or click a different field, and the INFO column will be updated. Note: edits/changes are not saved until you leave the current field by moving to another field. 

	Move the highlight bar to TOUR.DBF and click the Open button. The file will load, the file manager will close. You will notice: Current Open Scale File=TOUR in the lower left portion of the screen.

Next click Edit

Edit:		(Main Menu)

	The Edit sub menu box presents you with three options:

Edit Scale Data			(Edit Graph Data)
Assign Graph Styles		(Assign different INH curves)
Edit/Add Graph Styles		(not currently supported)

	The highlight bar is on Edit Scale Data so click this selection. You are presented with a screen that resembles a spreadsheet (when you enter new scale data, this mode is the fastest for bulk data entry).

	The top 3 lines of buttons perform various actions required when working scale data.

	The second from the bottom line is a status line that contains a description of the currently highlighted column. Click each column for a column description.

	The bottom line is a status line containing the current open scale file name. 

	The Help button explains the data entry navigation commands.

A few words about the data grid (spreadsheet):

	In the Dos version the data is entered or edited by pressing the ENTER key to open the data cell, adding or editing the data, and pressing the ENTER to close and save the data in the cell.

	In the Windows version, the data can be entered directly into the highlighted cell and you can press the Down Arrow to advance to the next note or the ENTER key to advance to the next field. You do not have to open and close the cell. You do have to press the Down Arrow, ENTER key, or click to a different field for the data to be saved.

	Due to some keyboard handling limitations of the grid control of my windows development platform there are a few minor behaviors that you should know about.

Some examples:

	When work your way down a column entering data and you reach the bottom row, the screen is refreshed for the next 11 notes. However, the highlight is moved to the left most column and you must click the column you are working on to continue.

	When you click the Top Button to go to note 88 from notes 78 or lower the screen is refreshed twice.

	If the highlight is on the top line and you want to scroll up, you must press down and then up. If the highlight is on the bottom line and you want to move down, press up then down. This also applies to the PgDn and PgUp keys: up arrow before PgDn and down arrow before PgUp.

	While these behaviors may be less than ideal, it became a choice between: the above behaviors or loosing visibility of previously entered rows of data as you worked downwards during data entry. However, you will get used to these quirks very quickly.

	Clicking the Help button will provide details on how to add/edit data within a cell as well as list important navigation keys.

	It is important to understand how to execute a control sequence. The Help button lists several commands such as ^<- or ^->. The caret means hold down the Ctrl key and press the key indicated. For example, hold down the Ctrl key and press -> (right arrow) and the highlight moves one position (column) to the right. ^<- move the highlight one column to left.

Brief Description of the Buttons	(Edit Scale Data)

Graphics / Win		(Graphics mode Scale editor Windows graphics)
Fill Wire Size		(Enter wire sizes in Blocks/Courses)
Set Core/Step		(Set Core/Step lengths for all Bass Strings)
Show T Codes		(String type codes to regulate calculations)
Bass Legend		(Legend of required bass string dimensions)
Tail Data		(Enter Tail Length Data - mm. only)

Graphics / Dos		(Graphics mode Scale editor DOS graphics)
Dual SPLM		(Secondary Longer Speak. Length on Bichords)
Fill DIWS		(Calc & enter Step diameter for doublewound)
Wrap Type		(Bass String Wrap Type)
Verify Hidden		(Print/View addl. Bass info for verification)
Inch>mm.		(Enter lengths in inches - decimal/fraction)

Top Bot Up Dn		(Go Top, Bottom, Up 1 screen, Down 1 screen)
Exit			(Exit to main menu)
Help			(Edit Help - How to navigate and edit data)
Total Tension		(Total Tension and Target Bass Tensions)
Adjust Pitch		(Adjust Pitch Level i.e. 440, 435, 430) 
Make Notes		(Create Notes File for Your Scale)
Partials			(Theoretical Partial calculations)

	Some of these buttons will be covered in more depth within the Working on Bass Strings, Entering New Scale Data, and Additional Reference sections of this manual. If you click any of these buttons at this time, press the Esc key or click an Exit button to abandon the action function.

Graphics / DOS

	This button will call a DOS edit mode graphing routine that is identical in behavior to Pscale for Dos. It is included for long time Pscale users who are used to the routine, backward compatibility, and flexible program options. I still use this mode in certain situations.

	If you are a new user please invoke this routine a few times as some of this manual will make use of this routine as the instructions have already been written. 

	You exit this routine by pressing the Esc key.

About the graph:

	The graph displays three sets of horizontal tension lines for unichords, bichords, and trichords. These horizontal lines represent general upper and lower tension limits. The two inharmonicity curves represent the general upper and lower limits of inharmonicity. String Tension and Inharmonicity data is represented by the + character.

	The left side values of this graph reflect an inharmonicity constant in cents, discussed in depth, on pages 86, 87, and 88 of the "Calculating Technician". Dr. Sanderson uses a slight variation in calculating this constant: I=Bn^2 where I = inharmonicity of partial n, cents. This program uses Dr. Sandersons variation. The right side values reflect tension.

	The top line of data is nearly the same as one line in spreadsheet mode and you edit the data using the Dos version protocol of opening and closing the cell using the enter key. For example: move the highlight bar to the right two columns to DIAM, press the RETURN key, enter one decimal size larger, press the return key again and the tension and inharmonicty values for that note will re-plot. Tip: In DOS graphics mode you can also press the + or - keys to increment or decrement the field values.

	As in text mode, navigation is performed in the same manner. Press the down arrow to move down one note etc.

	The second line is the status line that explains the current column heading.

	The third line list three action keys. Skip F1 and F2 for the time being. These will be fully explained in the Working on Bass Strings section.

	The numeric values of break point, string tension, and inharmonicity are displayed in the lower right hand corner. Warnings (beep) are also displayed in this region when you exceed break point or excessive copper to core with bass strings.

	To exit the Dos graphics editor press the Esc key and you will return to the text/spreadsheet mode. Now, click the Exit button and return to the main menu.

View:		(Main Menu)

	This menu choice presents a sub menu box with selections to view your scale data in several different ways. Loudness/Sustain and Hammer/Contact are issues for consideration presented by Dave Roberts in his highly recommended book "The Calculating Technician". The remaining graph choices are provided merely for informational  and perspective purposes.

Tip: Speaking Length in mm. and Approx. Hitch/Bridge Position are excellent Graphs for Error Trapping. A bad measurement or data entry will often stick out like a sore thumb on these graphs.

Print:		(Main Menu)

Click Print to open the Print menu box.

Note: Due to USB printers you must now always use the View option and then print from the Notepad file.

Print sub options:

Graph Only		(Print graph of tension and inharmonicity)
Text Only		(Prints data displayed in spreadsheet mode)
Bass Info W/M		(Print/View standard US string winding report)
Alternate Bass		(Print/View Metric string winding report)
Ins Tail Data		(Also accessed from Edit Scale Data screen)
Plain Data Sheet	(Print/View data recording sheets)
Bass Data Sheet	(Print/View data recording sheets)

	These sub options are, for the most part, self explanatory with the exception that Ins Tail Data is not a print routine but a data entry routine to complete the information required to generate a data sheet for the bass string winder. ( more details included in the Entering New Scale Data section)

Editing Scale Data

	In this section, it will be easier to present editing procedures using a scale that I can visually see. For the time being, let's load one of the sample files and run through an editing sequence.

	At the Pscale main menu click File to open the File sub menu box. Click Open to open the mini file manager.

	Move the highlight bar (press down arrow, PgDn, or click the thumb wheel down arrow) down to SAMPLE.DBF and click the Open button. The file named SAMPLE will load, the file manager will close, and you will notice: Current Open Scale File=SAMPLE in the lower left portion of the screen.

	Next click Edit from the main menu and then click Edit Scale Data to enter the “spreadsheet” edit mode.

	The file named SAMPLE is actually the same as ROLLINSO. We are using sample to preserve the original ROLLINS data. It is an Aolean 4'10" baby grand.

	As Pscale now includes both a DOS graphics mode editor (Graphics/Dos) and a Win graphics mode editor(Graphics/Win) I will include descriptions of both as the Dos version is already written.

Graphics / Dos

	Click the Graphics / Dos button. Note: If the graph does not switch to full screen graphics click the 4 way tool button (Win 95) in the center of the toolbar to expand to full screen.

	In general, you will look for areas of the plot where the inharmonicity and tension are outside the general limits. A description of the graph (About the Graph) can be found on page 6.

	For the moment, let's concentrate on the plain wire portion of the scale. Actually, the plain wire portion of this scale is really quite good with the exception of notes 29, 30, and 82 through 88.

	On this scale I decided to replace plain wire notes 29 and 30 with bichord bass strings. This is discussed further in the next section.

	The only other change I made to the plain wires of this scale, was to increase the diameter to .032 on notes 82 through 88.

	Starting at note 88, press the right arrow key and move the highlight bar to the DIAM column. In Dos graphics mode there are two ways to edit data values:

Press the - or + keys to decrement or increment the data values
or:
Press the RETURN key, enter .032, and press the RETURN key again to close the cell and store the new value. Tip: instead of entering the decimal point, just type 0032 

Now, press the down arrow key, and then repeat the above process moving down to note 82. Tip: In Edit/G Mode it is faster to adjust data values by pressing the + or - keys.

	These are the only changes that I made to the plain wires of this scale. You will notice that the inharmonicity of the top 3 notes is outside the general limits. The only way to totally correct this would be to increase the speaking length of these three notes by 3 mm. If I were re-capping the bridges, I would have done this.

	Press the Esc key to Exit Graphics / Dos mode.

Graphics / Win

	Click the Graphics / Win button.

	The Windows graphic editor is very similar to the Dos editor with a few minor differences and a number of additional options are described via the Help button of this screen.

	You can select any note by clicking any of the data points to move the vertical note indicator line.

	The main difference in the windows routine is how data is edited. The same data changes apply as described above.

	Click either data point of note 88 to select note 88 and then click the DIAM button at the upper right. A cluster of 7 buttons will appear in the top center of the screen. As we have selected the DIAM button, the +, -, and E button in the cluster will increment, decrement, or Edit the values in the DIAM field of the top row of data. The Up Dn buttons move up and down 1 note, and DIAM and ^Field^ buttons just serve as labels. Additional info found with the Help button.

	You will notice that there is field button on the right side of the screen for each field that can accept value changes and these changes are reflected in the top data line. 
	
	In the next section, Working on Bass Strings, we will improve this Bass situation within the limits of the bass bridge position which, of course, is mandated by our speaking lengths.

Working On Bass Strings

	As there are two graphic editor modes, I will include a rundown of both. I urge you to go through the Graphics / Dos version as in may contain information not included in the Graphics / Win instructions.

Graphics / Dos

Basic Steps or Quick Reference (in Graphics / Dos mode)

     Your Scales: Make Sure Original Data is Preserved.(Copy To command)
	
Automatic Rescale		F2 sub choice [1]  (Piano's <= 7')
Calculate All Wraps		F2 sub choice [3](if US standards)
Manual addl. adjustments (core DIAM) as desired, if necessary
Check ascending/descending core wire sizes for consistency
Calculate All Wraps if any changes were made (F2 sub [3])
Check ascending/descending core wire sizes for consistency
Print Standard string winding report

Start to Finish Bass Rescale:		(Graphics / Dos)

	With the same SAMPLE file displayed and in Graphics / Dos mode, lets design a new Bass Scale. Keep in mind that this scale has been entered and copied to a different filename so we are free to make modifications. I have also done this re-scale so I can step you through it. I could not do this as well with a scale of yours.

	On this scale I decided to change the bottom two plain wire notes to bass notes as there is no way to raise tension and lower inharmonicity on notes 29 and 30 without moving the bridge. I do not recommend that you change to wouns strings until you are comfortable using the program. Change overs usually require addl. planning: adding a hitchpin or putting two loops on one hitchpin as well as addl. measurements or string rubbings. This scale would be significantly improved even without changing notes 29 and 30 to bass notes. The change over is included for your future reference.

	You will be presented with keypress and data entry sequences with occasional discussion in between.

	Ok. lets go. ( <ENTER> means press the ENTER or RETURN key )

press F10, enter 29, press <ENTER>		(go to note 29)
press the right arrow key until TP is highlighted	(the T column)
press <ENTER>, enter BS, press <ENTER>	(change to type BS)
press the up arrow				(go to note 30)
press <ENTER>, enter BS, press <ENTER>	(change to type BS)
press F2 for Xprs				(Express Bass data modification routines)
	Three menu choices are displayed on the next line:
	Choice [1]	From SPLM/DIAM	(read pg. 38,39,F1 sub [3])
				Automatic Bass Rescaling
	Choice [2]	From SPLM/DIAM/DIWO
				Only use when entering new scale data
	Choice [3]	Calculate All Wraps
				Must be used after [1] or manual changes

enter 1 (From SPLM/DIAM), press <ENTER>
	Target tension values are displayed and could be edited
press <ENTER> three times
	ATWM and BTWM are displayed and could be edited
press <ENTER> two times
	Pscale will now rescale the bass strings within generally accepted string winding rules and guidelines. (more below)
	Quite an improvement! Notes 1-6 and 13-16 are still outside
	the lines but we will fix that shortly.
press F2, enter 3 (calc all wraps), press <ENTER>
	Pscale figures what copper wrap sizes (U.S. W/M spec.) are needed for each note

The initial rescale has been completed. You could print a string winding report and have a very presentable scale but we can make it better yet. Also, there is also at least one potential error.

Manual Finish Work on Automatic Scalings:

	First, press the down arrow key repeatedly moving down to note number 1. You will notice values in the lower left corner. Core gauge, outer wrap gauge, and in the unichords, inner wrap gauge. At note 17 you will get DIWO too Large for Core warnings that will stop at note 12 (top double wound unichord). At note 6 you will again get the same warning down to note 1.

	What does this mean:

	General string winding guidelines hold that it is preferable if Wrap:Core ratios do not exceed 3:1 for single wound strings and 5:1 for double wound strings. In other words, a core of .045 should not have an outside copper wrap diameter greater than .135 on a single wound string (.045 * 3 = .135). The Pscale automatic scaling routine will break the rule by one core diameter size if necessary while lowering inharmonicity.

	The key word here is preferable: The last time I checked notes 1 - 10 on a Steinway Model S baby grand they were single wound strings with wrap:core ratios between 3.5:1 and 4.1:1. Simply put, Piano Makers break the wrap:core ratio guidelines and so do I.

	Ok, lets bend the rules and finish this scale.

	At this point, to simplify matters, I am going to depart from the keypress by keypress approach. You know by now that the up and down arrow keys navigate from note to note. You should also know that the right and left arrow keys highlight the different string data fields: N SPLM DIAM T INH TEN BP DIWO etc. and that explanation text appears as you highlight these different fields. In addition, the data in these fields can be changed by either: pressing the RETURN key, changing the data, and then pressing the RETURN key again to close the cell, or, in Edit / G mode (this mode), pressing the - or + key to decrement or increment the data values.

	Using the right  or left arrow keys, make sure that DIAM is highlighted.

	Using the down arrow keys, and the - keys to decrement, set the following notes to the indicated values. Your computer is going to bark at you because you are "breaking the rules". Worry not, now's your chance after so many years as a respectable citizen.

NOTE		DIAM

16		0.040
15		0.040
14		0.041
13		0.042

6		0.045
5		0.047
4		0.049
3		0.051
2		0.053
1		0.055

	We have bent the wrap:core ratio rules to put this scale more within the guidelines. More on notes 1 - 6 shortly.

	 Since we have made data changes, we need to Calculate All Wraps again so:

Press F2, enter 3, press <ENTER> (Pscale calcs all wraps)

	Why did I leave notes 1 - 6 above the inharmonicity line ? My own personal preference is to try and keep wrap:core ratios within about 3.5:1 on single wound strings and 5.5:1 on double wounds even if I loose a little ground on the lowest 4 or 5  notes. You will notice that I did work for a smooth line in this area.

	We are almost finished. You should be able to see a small dip in the inharmonicity at note 19. Using the arrow keys go to note 18. Note 18 has a DIAM of 0.039. Press the up arrow. Note 19 has a DIAM of 0.038. With DIAM highlighted, press the + key to increase this core DIAM one size. Look at the inharmonicity, it is now closer to notes 18 and 20.

	Finally, let's look at notes 29 and 30 (changed from plain wire notes to bass notes). Move up to note 29. The DIAM is 0.044. Press the up arrow for note 30, the DIAM is 0.045. Here is that potential problem. The DIAM of note 29 is smaller than the DIAM of note 30 and as a rule of thumb, core wire sizes should stay the same or increase in size as you descend to the lower notes of the piano. Pscale is not yet smart enough to check for this and will occasionally set a core smaller than the adjacent upper note. This would probably sound fine but I am confidant that it will make the string winders scratch their heads. I always step up or down through the bass section and check for consistent core wire changes. See: Before You Order Bass Strings later in this manual.

	Onward:

Change DIAM of notes 29 and 30 to 0.042 (use the - key with DIAM highlighted)

Why 0.042 ?, the Inharmonicity looks lousy.

	I selected 0.042 because it is a little closer to 0.038, the top bass bridge core of note 28. I try to avoid big core jumps over a break. (See general scaling considerations) Let's fix the inharmonicity.

	There is an easy solution to raise the inharmonicity on these 2 notes. Increase the EXPOSED CORE lengths. Note: You can not change these values with the + or - keys. Requires the <ENTER>,enter new value, <ENTER> method with the ATWM or BTWM field highlighted.

NOTE		ATWM		BTWM
28		18.0		18.0
29		22.0		22.0

	Oh yes, we altered some string data (DIAM of 29 and 30). We need to recalculate all wraps.

Press F2, enter 3, press <ENTER> (Pscale calcs all wraps)

	Well there it is! A new bass scale, and it does sound much better. I made a before and after audio recording of this rescale. What I have known in theory has been re-confirmed in reality.

F1 Manual Bass:		(Graphics / Dos mode)

	The F1 routine described below is a remnant of pre 2.6 versions of Pscale. It remains because there may be situations where you want to manually override what the F2 Xprs (sub choice [1] and [3]) routines do with the data. It can also be used to update the copper wrap sizes if you only need to update the wrap on one or two notes. While it is faster to Calculate All Wraps (F2 sub choice [3]), repeatedly calculating all wraps came sometimes make minor changes to the scale data values or wrap gauges due to how crush factors are applied. Forgetting to re-establish wrap gauges on altered data will generate an error message on the string winding printout.

This routine as well as F2 sub [3] (Calc all Wraps) determine the actual wrap gauges for the string winding print-out. It also inserts values in the DIWO and DIWS fields which reflect an average crush factor. These crushed values may differ slightly from the data previously entered in those fields.

	You should always re-execute F1 or F2 sub [3] (calc all wraps) if you manually alter the values of DIAM, DIWO, or DIWS.

	To see how F1 works go to note 13

	Starting on note 13 (in Edit /G mode), press F1 for Manual.

	Since we have already established wrap sizes for this scale, you will be prompted with:

PICK WRAP(S) FROM DIWO or USE LAST GAUGE(S) ? P/U

Note: If wrap sizes are not established F1 automatically Picks

	The default response is P for Pick Wrap(s). This response is already in the highlighted box, so you can just press the RETURN key.

	The reason this prompt has been included is to give the user the option of picking wraps from data contained in the DIAM, DIWO, and DIWS or Using the last gauges inserted.

	It should be noted that F1 Pick will select the closest possible wrap match to the values in DIWO and DIWS.

	You will see CORE GAUGE highlighted. Press RETURN, Gauge #18.5 will appear, and then RETURN again. You will see 18.5=0.042 appear. This should agree with the value in DIAM at the top of the screen.

	Press the right arrow key. OWRAP GAUGE is now highlighted. Press the RETURN key, Gauge #17 will appear, and then the RETURN key again. If you look over to the right (under Exit and Insert) you should see DIWO=0.147, the same, or nearly the same, value displayed in DIWO at the top of the screen. Any slight difference may be due to the Pick process and how crush on the copper is factored. Now press E (or the right arrow twice followed by RETURN) and the display changes from EXIT AND INSERT to INSERT VALUES with a Y prompt. Press the RETURN key and new DIWO value on the right is inserted into DIWO above. You will notice little or no change in the plot.

	This F1 procedure just updated the wrap size using the Pick option for note 13 only. The Use Last Gauge(s) option is useful if you want to go back to a previous DIAM, DIWO, DIWS setting.

Graphics / Win

Basic Steps or Quick Reference (in Graphics / Win mode)

     Your Scales: Make Sure Original Data is Preserved.(Copy To command)
	
Automatic Rescale		The Auto Button  	(Pianos >7'  Options: CG checkbox)
Calculate All Wraps		The Wraps button	(if US standards)
Manual addl. adjustments (core DIAM) as desired, if necessary
Check ascending/descending core wire sizes for consistency
Calculate All Wraps again if any changes were made
Check ascending/descending core wire sizes for consistency
Print Standard string winding report

Start to Finish Bass Rescale 		(Graphics / Win)

	As we have rescaled the SAMPLE.DBF scale press Esc to exit Graphics / Dos. Next press Esc or click the Exit button to get back to the Pscale main menu. Click File and then click Open to access the mini file manager and find and highlight TOUR.DBF. This is the same scale file as SAMPLE.DBF but named TOUR. Next click Open to open the TOUR scale file. Now click Edit and then Edit Scale Data to open the spreadsheet edit screen. We are now ready to do a rescale using the Graphics / Win edit mode. 

	If the following instructions seem be a bit less detailed than the above Dos routine it is because Tech writing is not one of my better attributes and I have covered much of the process above.

	Click the Graphics / Win button and the graph will plot. You will see one line of scale data in the top window, the graph in the center, and a column of buttons on the left and right sides of the screen.

Step by Step:			(Graphics / Win)

Click either data point of note 29 (or anywhere above, below, or between but in the same vertical location) to put the vertical hairline on note 29

Click the T button		(upper right side for Note Type)
Click the BS button		(change to Bichord Single wound)
	note: Details button lists the note Type codes
Click OK 			(a reminder box will open so click OK again)
Click the next higher note 	(data point column)
Click the T button again
Click BS 			(change to Bichord Single wound)
Click OK 			(and click OK to the reminder box)
Note 29 and 30 are now set to note type BS
Click Auto 			(top left side button)

You are now presented with an Auto Scale window where you can change target tensions for the Bass sections, the length of exposed cores (ATWM BTWM), and the range of notes 1 through 30 (was 28 but we changed 29 and 30 to type BS above).

For now, we will use the default values and run Auto Scale. There are 3 ways to do this: press the enter key through each field, press the PgDn key, or just click any white colored portion of the window. Go ahead and do any of the above 3 and Auto Scale will execute. The graph should look better. Problem areas still exist around notes 1 - 6 and 13 - 16.

Step by Step continued:

Click Wraps			 (upper left - an info window will open )
Click OK to continue with Calc All Wraps
Press Enter or just click in Limit Range window
Calc All Wraps will execute and fit existing scale data to the closest available copper wrap sizes of the US W/M specification.
Now, let’s make the scale even better
Click note 16 			(vertical line on note 16)
Click DIAM 			(upper right - a center button cluster will open)
Click the - button once 		(your computer will bark)
Click the Dn button 		(move down 1 note to 15)
Click the - button 3 times 	(more barking)
Click the Dn button 		(move down 1 note to 14)
Click the - button 4 times 	(more barking)
Click the Dn button 		(move down 1 note to 13)
Click the - button 4 times 	(more barking)
The barking/beeping is a warning that you are breaking the Wrap to Core ratio rule of 3 to 1. I do it all the time and so do famous piano makers (up to 4:1).
Notes 13 -16 are looking much better. Before we work on 1 - 6 let’s touch up note 19
Click on note 19
Click the + button 		(center cluster)
I know I can do this (DIAM=.039) because note 18 has a DIAM=.039
Now for notes 1 - 6
The double wound wrap to core ratio rules prevent an ideal reduction of inharmonicity for these notes.(5:1 - Max 5.6:1)
Click note 1
Click the - button once		(the center button cluster)
Click the Up button		(center cluster or note 2}
Click the - button once
Click the Up button		(center cluster or note 3)
Click the - button once
Click the Up button		(center cluster or note 4)
Click the - button once
Now, click Wraps		(upper left)
Click anywhere in the window or press the enter key
That’s about it, but let’s split a final hair as it demonstrates another important technique.
Click in note 30			( the INH data point is a bit low)
Click the ATWM button		(right side - opens the ATWM cluster)
Click the + button 6 times
Click the BTWM button		(right side - opens the BTWM cluster)
Click the + button 6 times
This final technique demonstrates that you can raise inharmonicity if needed by increasing the length of the exposed core wire (ATWM BTWM).

Taking Scale Measurements

	Please be sure to read the Bass String Rubbing Option at the end of this section.
	
The Measuring Tape and Micrometer:

	The fastest and most efficient method to measure speaking lengths is with a metric measuring tape. Measurements are easier to read and lengths are entered as simple 1 to 4 digit numbers(mm.).

	I have modified my 10' metric/inches tape as follows: Extend the tape to it's longest length and drive a 5d common nail through the center of the tape. This will insure that the tape will not reel in unexpectedly. With side cutting pliers I snip the rivet(s) that attach the tab hook to the end of the tape. I then make sure that a 5d common nail can be placed in one of the rivet holes. When I am finished taking speaking lengths, I place a nail where the tab has been removed and then remove the nail from the extended end of the tape. You have to remember the nails or you end up opening up the tape measure. Tapes that have a lock have a nasty habit of coming un-locked.

	I remove the tab hook so that the tape can be slid neatly up to the termination points of the Capo Dastro Bar on grand pianos.
 
	A barrel type micrometer is perfectly adequate if you are removing the strings. However, I recommend a caliper type with digital display. It is faster and you can fit the jaws between the strings without relaxing tension . This also has the advantage of allowing you to record scales of pianos in the field, if you happen upon a nasty baby grand.

The Measurements:

	The following steps assume that the piano is at least getting new strings.

Making Data Recording Sheets:

	The Print menu has 2 selections: Plain Data Sheets and Bass Data Sheets which will allow you to print basic data recording sheets.

!!! WARNING !!! 

	Beware of dual speaking lengths within individual Bichord Bass notes. If a piano has a straight bass bridge (without notches) which is not parallel with the agraffe line there will be dual speaking lengths within the bichords.

	In this situation, take the shorter speaking length of each note as your primary speaking length. (the longer as secondary)

	This is my usual procedure for taking measurements.

Speaking Lengths:

	Having removed the dampers and before relaxing tension, I measure all of the speaking lengths. I butt the end of the tape up against the agraffe or capo dastro and measure to the center of the termination bridge pin for notes 1 - 88. I record all of my speaking lengths on the plain wire data sheet because I enter all lengths within one pass in the Pscale program. ( if you have dual bichord speaking lengths as described above, you should also record the longer lengths. i.e. 754 (758) )

	At this time I also note the average length of exposed core wires for all the bass strings on the bass string data sheet. I also note the average length of the step in double wound strings. The step is the short section where the outside wrap diameter decreases at the end of the inner wrap. 

Core/Plain Wire Diameters:

	Next, I relax tension and measure core/plain wire diameters for notes 1 - 88. Again, I record all of this on the plain wire data sheet for ease of data entry.(note any single hitch pin loops)

	At this point, I take my bass string data sheet and lay out note numbers and string numbers for all unichords, bichords, and trichords (if any).	

Copper Wrap Diameters:

	Next, I measure the outside diameters of all bass notes. I take 2 or 3 micrometer readings (not near the ends) for each note and take an average so as to even out the effects of lathe winding speed and winder pressure. I record these diameters in OUTSIDE DIAM. column of the bass string data sheet. On the bichords and trichords I measure only one string of the pair or group.

	I do not measure the step diameters on double wound strings. I let Pscale calculate and insert a reasonable step diameter using the Fill DIWS routine detailed in the Enter New Scale Data section of this manual.

	Next, I remove the bass strings in order and hook them on a loose leaf binder ring for safe keeping.

Bass String Tail Information:

	Finally, I measure the distance from: the speaking bridge pin (string termination point) of the bass bridge to the bridge side edge of the hitch pin. I do this for each string in the bass section. I record this in the SPEAKING SIDE BRIDGE PIN TO HITCH PIN mm column of the bass string data sheet. This information is required to generate a string winder report if you decide to re-work the bass strings. It is also important to have these measurements before you remove the plate so you can order the strings during the re-building process. (If the plate has been removed, you can get your tail data by measuring from the speaking side of the agraffe to the bridge side of the hitch pin and then subtracting the speaking length) Note: If you think you may change some bottom tenor plain wires to bass notes you should plan and record these tail measurements before you remove the plate.

Clarification:

The length of the tail on bass strings is generally considered to be the distance from the back side of the hitch pin to the beginning of the winding. In the measurement described above, I am recording a length which is different. I am not including the length of the exposed core within the speaking length (the program can determine this from the BTWM data). I am also not including the thickness of the hitch pin (3mm or 1/8"). I am doing this because the size of the hitch pin loops from the string maker are larger than the hitch pin. When the string is up to pitch, this loop crushes 2 to 3mm over time. The net effect is that the winding may end up closer to the agraffe than desired. Subtracting the thickness of the hitch pin serves to offset this effect.(see Margins of Error for Bass Strings)

Additional Measurements:

 	There is one additional set of measurements that you can take if you are interested in the issues of Hammer/String Contact Time as presented by Dave Roberts in "The Calculating Technician".

	This measurement is the distance from the agraffe or capo bar to the hammer strike point of the string. These measurements are entered in the View sub menu box with the [ Enter Hammer / String Contact Data ] choice. I have done this once in six years.

The Bass String Rubbing Option:

	If you feel comfortable making Bass String rubbings and your piano is at tension, you may want to consider making a rubbing. Some string houses/makers may prefer, or charge less, if you supply a rubbing for the string lengths and data sheets for the wire specifications.

	There is also a valid argument that rubbings reduce the potential for measurement errors on both ends. The technician and the string winder.

Tip: If sending a rubbing you can mark, and notate, where you want the windings to terminate relative to the agraffe and bridge pin.

	Pros: Possible cost savings and reduced chance of measurement errors on your part, or the string makers. You do not need to measure and insert tail data or secondary speaking lengths of bichords.

	Cons: Possible loss of control on length specifications. Time it takes to make a rubbing. Harder to make plain to wound changeovers. Harder to asses quality control

Entering New Scale Data

Basic Steps or Quick Reference:

Create new scale file	
Enter all speaking lengths (SPLM) and secondary LSPLM's if present  (Dual SPLM button)
Enter all plain/core DIAM's(use Fill Wire on plain wire)
Check that TCODES are correct
Enter all outside copper diameters (DIWO)
Insert step diameters (Fill DIWS button)
Globally reset exposed core(ATWM,BTWM), Step(AWSM,BWSM) lengths to reflect your original scale measurements.
INSERT TAIL DATA (Tail Data button) if not using a rubbing
If LSPLM's are present, use Verify Hidden to verify LSPLM data
View/Print Speaking Length in mm. & Approx. Hitch/Bridge Location to check for measurement or data entry errors 
Copy to a different file name to preserve your original scale data
If Iron Wraps are present open the original file and designate

Entering New Scale Data in detail:

	Assuming that you have taken the necessary measurements as described in the previous section, start the Pscale program and click File and then New to open the New Scale File window.

Lets take an example of the New Scale window (New):

ENTER NUMBER OF UNICHORD NOTES			10		10

ENTER NUMBER OF BICHORD NOTES			16		20	

ENTER NUMBER OF DOUBLE WOUND NOTES		 8	 	 8

ENTER NUMBER OF SINGLE WOUND NOTES			18		26
	[UNICHORD + BICHORD + TRICHORD]

	There are two columns of numbers here to demonstrate two possible string layouts. 

	In the left column of numbers, the last entry, 18, reflects the 16 single wound bichord notes plus the two remaining single wound unichord notes.

	In the right column we have the following: 8 double wound unichord notes, 2 single wound unichord notes, 20 single wound bichord notes, and 4 single wound trichord notes.

	The only purpose of the New Scale window is to pre-label each note with a "note type" code within the T column of the edit screen. If you make a mistake here, you can always change the note type within the edit screens. You will only see this New Scale window once with each new scale file (New), and again, it's only purpose is save you from entering a note type for every note of the scale.

IMPORTANT!!!

	When creating a new scale file, please supply bass note info in the newfile setup screen even if not evaluating the bass section or only evaluating the Bass section. This info is used to fill in the note type(TP,etc.) column which in turn is used to draw the tension lines on the graph.

	After you have entered your layout numbers within the New Scale window, you are prompted with "IS THE ABOVE INFO CORRECT Y/N?". A Y response will automatically advance you to the Edit sub menu box. A N response will allow you to re-enter layout numbers, and an A response (or Esc) will abandon the New Scale file operation completely.

	Assuming that you entered a Y response you will be prompted to supply a file name. When supplied, the New Scale window will close and you will see: Current Open File=FILE where FILE is the name that you just supplied.

	Click Edit and then Edit Scale Data to enter the spreadsheet data entry mode.

You are ready to enter speaking lengths.

	Take your plain wire data sheet and do the following:

SPLM:	(entering speaking lengths)

Highlight the SPLM column at note 88
Enter the SPLM value in mm. for note 88
Press the Down Arrow key (or click the next field down)

	Repeat the procedure for note 87 and so on down to note 1. You will soon develop a rhythm for advancing down the column.

Tip:	The Speaking Length in mm.  graph in the View menu is very helpful in catching measurement errors.

If You Have Dual Speaking Lengths:

	This situation occurs when you have a straight bass bridge which is not parallel with the agraffe line or notched.

	Pscale allows you to enter a second, longer (secondary) speaking length on bichord notes ( note type = BS ). When Pscale prints a string winding data sheet it will appropriately reflect these longer speaking lengths if it detects that additional longer speaking length data values are present.

Additional speaking lengths are entered as follows:

	While in Edit Scale Data ( the spreadsheet text mode ), click the Dual SPLM button. This will open the Dual Bichord Speaking Lengths data entry window. Click the LSPLM column. Use the arrow keys to position the highlight on the note where the dual speaking lengths begin. You can also just click the note row with the mouse. You may now enter your longer speaking lengths in the same manner as regular speaking lengths described above. Check your data entry carefully, as these secondary values are not displayed on the regular screen.

	You can print or view these speaking length values for verification by clicking the Verify Hidden button. This view or printout will list both speaking lengths for all bass notes. Remember, if some of the bichords are on a notched tenor bridge, these secondary lengths should have a value of 0.

	Also, if dual speaking lengths are present in any scale file there will be a designation at the end of both scale data printouts.

Plain Wire Diameters - The DIAM column:

	Click the Top button and you will return to note 88. Click the Diam. column. You are ready to enter wire diameters.

	You can repeat the above SPLM procedure, this time, entering wire/core diameters for each note, down the column, until you reach note 1. or better yet, use Fill Wire Size.

Fill Wire Size Button	Block Diameter Fill the DIAM column:

	When entering plain or core wire data this button will display a pick list of wire gauges and decimal diameters. Click and highlight the desired wire size, click Fill Wire, and then specify the number of notes to fill with the selected value. This routine will only fill downwards. That is, upon creating a new file or opening an existing file you start at note 88. Click Fill Wire Size, pick a value, say 0.031, and then click Fill Wire. Enter 4 and the value 0.031 will be inserted into the DIAM fields for notes 88,87,86,85. Bulk insert is limited to 20 notes.

Check T CODES:

	At this point you should check that your layout numbers in the newfile set-up screen put the correct T Codes in the T column. Look at the T column and make sure that UD is on every unichord double wound, US on every unichord single wound, BS is on every bichord single wound, etc. The PgUp and PgDn key will move you up and down. If you click the Show T Codes button, you will see a list of all Tcodes that can be used in the T column. If you have any incorrect Tcodes, highlight the T column note and enter the correct letters.

Wrap Diameters - The DIWO column:

	You are now ready to enter copper diameters. The procedure is the same as with speaking lengths or wire diameters. You should be at the highest note with a BS or TS in the T column. Click in the DIWO column and enter the outside diameters from your bass string data sheet, moving down the column until you reach note 1. 

Step Diameters - the DIWS column:		The Fill DIWS Button

	This choice will automatically fill in the step diameters (DIWS) on double wound strings using a ratio of the outer wrap being three times larger than the inner wrap.

	Variations in the step diameter have the least impact on tension and inharmonicity. Step diameters are also difficult to measure due to the swedge of the core wire.

	If you have entered the speaking lengths (SPLM), core diameters (DIAM), and outside diameters (DIWO), use this menu choice to automatically fill in the step diameters (DIWS) and lengths of exposed cores and steps (ATWM,BTWM,AWSM,BWSM). Lengths of cores and steps are set to 1/2" or 12.7mm.

Exposed Cores (ATWM,BTWM column) and Step Lengths (AWSM,BWSM column):

	The above procedure has already inserted a default length of 12.7mm (1/2") for the exposed cores (ATWM,BTWM) and the winding steps on the double wound strings(AWSM,BWSM). Now we need to reset these lengths to reflect your original scale.

	On your bass string data sheet you should have recorded the average lengths of these two measurements.

	Click the Set CORE/STEP button and enter the average length of exposed core into the ATWM and BTWM fields. Then enter the average length of the double wound winding step into the AWSM and BWSM fields. You will see a counting routine on the screen and then you will return to within the text mode edit screen. If you look at the ATWM,BTWN,AWSM, or BWSM columns, you will see that these lengths have been bulk inserted into all of these fields.

	With the exception of the bridge pin to hitch pin measurements required to print string winding specifications, you are now finished entering your original scale data. It is recommended that you enter your tail data (not required if you use rubbings) now so that is contained in your original scale data file. This is particularly helpful if you want to do several variations of a scale or want to send the scale file to me to see how I would do the scale. If the tail data is in your original file you can copy it to multiple filenames (VOSEO,VOSE1,VOSE2,VOSE3,etc.) and each of these will contain the tail data. If it turns out that VOSE2 is the one you like it will contain the tail data. Note: Iron and Aluminum wrap types should be designated in what will be your original scale data file. (see below)

Entering Tail Data - The Tail Data button:

	To complete your Entering Scale Data requirements when not using bass string rubbings, you need to enter your Tail Data. This measurement is the length from: the speaking length termination bridge pin, to the bridge side of the hitch pin, for each individual bass string. These measurements should have been recorded as outlined in the Taking Scale Measurements sections of this manual, on your bass string data sheet.

	From the Edit Scale Data spreadsheet screen, click the Tail Data Button (may also be accessed from the print menu) and a Tail Data window will open.

	You need to study this window carefully and read the description to the left of the data window so that you understand exactly how the columns relate to unichords, bichords, and trichords. Data entry is performed in the same manner as previously described. Click the column you want, enter the data, and advance to the next field or note that you want.

	When you have finished entering the tail data, press the Esc key to exit this data entry screen.

Tip:	The Approx. Hitch / Bridge Layout graph in the View menu can be helpful in catching measurement errors. While it is not true to scale it will give you a baseline with which to compare the hitch / bridge layout of your plate with the layout of this graph.

Be Sure to Copy Your Original Scale File to a Different Filename

	There are two important steps you should perform before you start to do any scale editing. These are: Print your scale data and copy this file to a different filename to preserve the original data.

	To print your data, press Esc for the main menu. Click Print to open the Print sub menu box, then click Text Info Only.

	To copy to a different filename, press Esc for the main menu. Click File to open the File sub menu box, then Copy To. This will open the mini file manager and you can click the Copy To button. Enter a filename (and optional path if backing up data to another location) and your current file will be copied. I usually place the letter O at the end of the name (VOSE57O) that I am copying to as I am copying to a file that I want to save as the Original. In addition, if Iron or Aluminum wrapped strings are present on the piano that you are rescaling, open the file that you just copied to (the "will be" original) and designate any non copper wrap types using the following procedure. Note: I do this on the newly created original scale file because I am unlikely to order Iron or Aluminum strings and only want them designated in my "original data file"

Iron and Aluminum Wrapped Bass Strings:

	The ability to calculate and plot Iron or Aluminum wrapped bass strings has been included so that you may more accurately plot the original scale as manufactured.

	While in Edit Scale Data (spreadsheet text mode) you can designate any bass strings as Iron or Aluminum. To do this, click the Wrap Type button and the Wrap Type window will open. Click the W column. If the note was Iron wound, place an I in this column. If the note was Aluminum wound, place an A in this column. If Copper wound, leave the field blank or empty and the note will be considered copper wound.

	Press the Esc key to exit this data entry window.

	The Verify Hidden Button will also view / print Wrap Type for each bass note.

	In addition, the presence of non copper wraps is designated at the end of both scale data printouts.

Margins of Error for Bass Strings

	The purpose of this section is to enlighten the user with regard to the potential for compound errors within the process of measuring, ordering, making, and re-installing bass strings.

These are my observations with regard to possible errors:

Conversion from mm. to fractional inches				+/-  1/16
String Maker Error							+/-  1/16"
Measurement Errors							+/-  1/16"
Hitch Pin Loop Crush							+/-  1/16"

	The point of concern here is that, if you were to compound these errors, you might have a winding that is too close to your agraffe. Often, some errors will cancel others, but, in the worst case scenario, the errors might compound, and you could end up with a winding that is almost 1/4" from the agraffe when you requested 1/2 ".

Note: Version 3.3 now has a decimal length output option which will remove the potential mm. to fractional inche errors but you might want to confirm whether your supplier would prefer decimal or fractional lengths.

Example:

During the conversion from mm. to fractional inch 			+1/16
The winding of the string is 1/16 longer than spec.			+1/16
There was a 3mm. measurement error	(SPLM 3mm shorter)		+2/16

						Compound Error	+4/16

	As you can see, it does not require much to move the winding 1/4 inch closer to the agraffe.

	Hitch Pin Loop Crush has essentially been negated if you measure from the bridge side of the hitch pin because the Pscale program calculates from the back side of the hitch pin. However, it appears that larger diameter cores do not crush as much as smaller diameter cores so there seems to be small variations in loop crush amount. 

	This manual suggests that you set your exposed cores to 12.7mm or 1/2" for ATWM and BTWM. If the potential for compound errors fell the wrong way in every aspect, you could end up with  1/4" between the agraffe and the winding. This would lower the inharmonicity, but, we want the string to fit. We also want to feel assured that the winding will not get too close to the agraffe, now, or in the future.

My recommendations are as follows:

	If you want to be on the safe side, set ATWM and BTWM to 16mm.(5/8"). You can change this dimension at any time. The Bass String Data Sheet printing routine will use this dimension and adjust the bass string lengths accordingly.

	If you don't mind living dangerously, leave ATWM,BTWM at 12.7. Just try not to get nervous if some of the windings look like they are getting too close to the agraffe.	 

Before You Order Bass Strings

	Before you send your bass string data sheet to the string maker, please double or triple check your measurements. We want to encourage string makers to make strings from data sheets. Therefore, any "pilot error" on our part will only discourage the process.

Double check the following:

Speaking Lengths (SPLM) and Secondary Speaking Lengths (LSPLM) if present. 

Tip: View Speak Length in mm. will help flag possible SPLM errors and Verify Hidden is used to check LSPLM.

The speaking bridge pin to hitch pin measurements (Pscale tail).

Tip: Print the Approx. Bridge/Hitch Position in the View menu. Take this to your plate and visually check the hitch pin layout to the graph. The graph is not to scale but will help flag possible data entry errors where the bichord tails might be reversed.

The ATWM/BTWM for exposed cores on all bass notes (12.7-16mm, or more on tenor bridge)

The AWSM/BWSM for length of step (12.7mm)

The T Codes on each note that has a wound string

Smoothly ascending or descending core and wrap sizes

If sending a Rubbing, use the Suppress All Lengths option or Cross Out The Length Measurements to remove the chance that the string Co. might think you want two sets of strings. One for the rubbing and one for the data sheet. This has happened.

General Scaling Considerations and Guidelines

Partial list of publications on the topic of Piano Scale Design:

The Calculating Technician by Dave Roberts (PTG Found. Press)
Piano Technology Topics by Dr. Albert Sanderson
A Guide To Restringing by John Travis

	I should mention here that The Calculating Technician by Dave Roberts has been extremely helpful to me with regard to scale design concepts. The book also contains an extensive list of additional references.

	In addition, Dr. Albert Sanderson has given numerous classes at PTG seminars regarding tuning and scaling topics. I recommend attending his classes when the opportunity arises. 

Scaling Considerations:

	This section of the manual is comprised of a sort of catch all collection of things I have read or heard. This information should not necessarily be construed as correct scaling practice.

 	While working on scale improvements, the general goal is to achieve smoothness throughout the entire scale of the three following quantities:(in order of importance)

String Inharmonicity and Tension		(Most important)
Loudness / Sustain		["The Calculating Technician"	]
Hammer / String Contact Time 		[ by Dave Roberts ]

	As a rule of thumb, the outside diameter(DIWO) should not exceed three times the core diameter on single wound strings and five times the diameter on double wound strings. (I have measured note 1 on a Mason & Hamlin AA (single wound) to be almost four times the diameter of the core). I tend to allow values up to 4:1 for single wound and 5.6:1 for double wound.

	Exposed core wire on bass strings should be between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch (12.7/19.0mm) unless larger values are required on the tenor bridge to achieve good tension/inharmonicity.

	Mapes recommends that inner wraps on double wound strings should not be smaller than # 30 gauge (31-43). They will wind the string, but they feel there is a risk that the inner wrap might break up during the winding process. This, in turn, could introduce a whistle in that particular string. I am comfortable with inner windings as small as # 35 and have had strings made with an inner as small as # 39

	Outer wraps are usually 2 to 3 times larger than inner wraps to prevent "nesting" of the copper wraps.

	Lowest tenor plain wire size should not be more than 4 wire sizes larger than the highest bass note core. I might jump 6.

Wrap to Core Ratios: 

       I maximum values that I have ordered and installed are about 3.5:1 and 5.5:1 . 4:1 for a single wound is common (Steinway M) but there some who claim sound deterioration. In addition 6:1 may be possible for double wounds but may require that the lathe be turned by hand. Also, there may exist the potential for string collision on lower bichords if DIWO is too large. I figure the span of the bichord agraffe holes to be roughly .190. If you have a bichord DIWO as high as say .168, you are left with .022 clearance. That's pretty close. The largest DIWO value for BS that I have seen in original scale data is . I would be interested in hearing about higher values.

	Core wire diameters starting at .051 increase in size in odd numbers. .051,.053,.055,.057,.059,.061,.063,.065,.067.

	Mapes does not use 1/2 size core wire larger than 24.5 therefor 25.5 (.061) and 26.5 (.065) are not available.

As a Rule of Thumb:

	When you increase the outside diameter of the string (more wrap), the distance between the tension and inharmonicity values increase. If you decrease the outside diameter, the distance between the data values decrease.

	When you increase the core diameter, both tension and inharmonicity will move upwards. If you decrease the core, both data values will move downwards.

Possible Problems

	The following information is included in case you experience problems running the PSCALE program and is divided into 3 basic categories:

Possible Display Problems
Possible Printer Problems
Problems because sometimes there are problems

Possible Display Problems

	A few users have reported display problems when Pscale calls a DOS graphing routine. I do not currently know the cause of this problem but encourage anyone to give me feedback if they experience graphing problems within DOS subroutines. As Windows graphing routines have been included with versions 3.1 and up, these potential problems are minimized.

Possible Printer Problems

Printing in the windows version:

	Remember to Use Pscale Setup to identify you printer (or closest match) in both Pscale for DOS and Pscale for Win. While this is only required for printing graphs in the DOS version and the windows "called" DOS sub programs, do it anyway because you may want to use some DOS graphing routines from the windows version.

	Printing issues are to some degree tied to your printer and your printer drivers. What works well for me might not for you. On my machine I have the following observations and notes.

If I start my computer, go direct to DOS, and run PSCALE for Dos, no printing issues arise.

If I start my computer, start Windows 3.1, then goto MS-DOS from Windows 3.1, then run Pscale
for DOS, the non graph print routines (text info,bass info) are trapped in the print manager spooler
and do not print until I exit MS-DOS back to Windows 3.1 (turn off the 3.1 print manager - see
below)

If I start my computer, start Windows 3.1, start Pscale for Windows and then print a non graph routine (text info, bass info) it takes about 30 + seconds for the print manager to kick in and start printing. It seems like nothing is happening. (turn off the 3.1 print manager - see below)

If I start my computer, start Windows 3.1, start Pscale for Windows, and then run Pscale for DOS from within Pscale for Win (using the DOS Program command) and then print a non graph routine(text info, bass info) it takes about 30 + seconds for the print manager to kick in and start printing.
It seems like nothing is happening.(turn off the 3.1 print manager - see below)

Notes for my System Configurations:

Windows 95

If I start my computer, start Windows 95, start Pscale for Windows and then print anything, everything works fine. This might not be the case with your system.

Windows 3.1	(may or may not apply to your configuration)

	If the printing seems slow for your needs, you may want to turn off the Windows Print Manager.  Open the MAIN Program Group, double click Control Panel, and un-check the Use Print Manager Box. (lower left corner) When I do this in Win 3.1, Pscale for Win printing is twice as fast. However, I leave Print Manager enabled and accept the delayed Pscale printing.

Problems Reported by Other Pscale Users:

To date, I have not had a printing problem reported under Windows 3.1

Windows 95	(may or may not apply to your configuration)

Problem Example 1:

	If you experience printing problems when running under Windows 95 and/or you get error messages during the process, the following may resolve the problems and has for a few users.

Solution:	Turn off the MS-DOS Print Spooler

In Windows 95, Pull up Settings, then Printers
Double click your printer
Pull down the Printer menu
Click Properties
Click Details
Click Port Settings
Un-Check the Spool MSDOS Printer
Click OK
Click OK
Close the Printer windows

The Pscale print jobs should work correctly if this was the cause of the problem

Problem Example 2:

	I have had 2 or 3 users that have reported problems that were not remedied by the above procedure. I am not sure you will get a complete resolve of these issues but I am fairly sure that you will be able print one way or another.

 Assume the following: When you start Pscale, it starts Pscale for Windows Ver 2.8 or higher.

	There are 2 ways to print in Pscale for windows. The Pscale for Win Print menu displays several print selections. When you select these options you are presented with a View in Notepad, or Print option.

	If you encounter problems using the Print option, you can select the View Option which runs Windows Notepad. From here, you can print as you would any windows program. You might have to format a bit if the page break splits a bichord in the string winding printout. For the graphics, the new windows graphics routines in Ver 3.1 and up print graphs through the windows print manager.

The catch is: You may have to use the View Option which runs Notepad BEFORE you load and view any graphs if any of the following may be a factor of the problem.

Discussion:

	Pscale versions 2.8 - 3.0 use "called" DOS sub programs for all graphing routines. Pscale versions 3.1 and up still use DOS graphing for the File Compare routines and all other graph routines can still  "call" the previous DOS graph routines as a user defined option.

	I think what may be happening is that having loaded and run a DOS sub program when plotting a graph, when exiting the graphics sub program, the sub program is not being closed. Being still open may somehow be holding on to some form of print services.

	When running a Dos graphics routine from Pscale for windows it should be in full screen (click the 4 way arrow icon (Win 95) in the top center of the window if it is not). If you are in Dos full screen the only way to get out of the graph is to press the escape key (not the Win X in the upper right corner) which terminates the Dos sub program and this way it will be officially closed.

	Pscale Version 3.1 windows graphics routines do not shell to Dos and should print graphs through the print manager. However, you still might have to use the view option which runs notepad as described above for printing the text based info.

Problem Example 3:

	Windows graphs are printing double text on all text labels with the Pscale Win graphing routines. This was on a Hewlett Packard 5L Laserjet printer. All View menu 100% windows graphing routines display the graph with a Print, ->PCX, and Exit Buttons. When the Print button is clicked, a Print Setup Dialog appears. To correct double printing you might do the following:
click Options
click Manual Settings
click Settings
click HP-GL/2 (under Graphics Mode)
click OK
click OK
click OK to print

To make this the default:
Exit Pscale
click Start
Settings
Printers
click your printer once to highlight
click File
click Properties
click Print Quality
click Manual Settings
click Settings
click HP-GL/2 (under Graphics Mode)
click OK
click OK
this saves the changes as default at system startup

Problems because sometimes there are problems or Program Anomalies

	Program Anomalies is a toned down way of referring to program bugs.

	As with pianos, the perfect computer program might be within reach, but probably, is not attainable.

	Over the last nine years I have been constantly improving this program, weeding out small problems, and trying to resolve any situations where the program will behave unexpectedly.

	Knocking on wood, I will say that I have never had a situation where scale data has been lost.

	I will say that I have had the program come to a screeching halt. I even get to experience this on occasion with programs created by the big M.

	If you should find yourself in this situation and get an Error, I suggest that you select the Abandon option (if given one). I also usually exit and restart Windows just to have a clean slate in the memory dept.

	Sometimes, a failure is the result of entering a data value that is drastically out of range with an expected value. (entering a speaking length of 1000mm (+-25") for note 88) If this happens, re-start the program and go to the note that you were working on and correct the data.

	Please let me know if you should encounter any peculiar problems regarding the behavior for this program as I am always trying to correct any problems of this nature.

PLAIN WIRE DATA

GAUGE		DECIMAL DIAMETER

13			.031
13.5			.032
14			.033
14.4			.034
15			.035
15.5			.036
16			.037
16.5			.038
17			.039
17.5			.040
18			.041
18.5			.042
19			.043
19.5			.044
20			.045
20.5			.046
21			.047
21.5			.048
22			.049
22.5			.050
23			.051
23.5			.053
24			.055
24.5			.057
25			.059
25.5			.061
26			.063
26.5			.065
27			.067

COPPER WRAP DATA  (Washburn & Moen U.S. Standard)

W/M GAUGE			DECIMAL DIAMETER

44				.0058	(#44 not supported by Pscale)
43				.0060    (check on availability from your supplier)
42				.0062    (check on availability from your supplier)
41				.0066    (check on availability from your supplier)
40				.0070    (check on availability from your supplier)
39				.0075    (check on availability from your supplier)
38				.0080
37				.0085
36				.0090
35				.0095
34				.0104
33				.0118
32				.0128
31				.0132
30				.0140
29				.0150
28				.0162
27				.0173
26				.0181
25				.0204
24				.0230
23				.0258
22				.0286
21				.0317
20				.0348
19.5				.0379
19				.0410
18.5				.0443
18				.0475
17.5				.0508
17				.0540
16.5				.0580
16				.0625
15.5				.0673
15				.0720
14.5				.0760
14				.0800

PSCALE REGISTRATION

Name_________________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________________

Work Phone________________________ Home Phone________________________

Email Address________________________________________________________

Type of Computer_______________ Printer______________________________

Type of Display ____________________ Amount of Memory________________

Disk Drive 360K_____ 720_____ 1.2_____ 1.4_____ Program Version______

Date Purchased________________

Comments:

Mail To:

	Tremaine Parsons
	Box 241
	Georgetown CA. 95634

Additional Reference

	This section has been included to provide additional information on the Pscale program. In addition, other useful information or addendums not easily integrated into the manual may also be found here. 

	The original Dos manual contained a review of the Edit Scale functions that also contained additional information not found in the main portion of the manual. I have split this review into a separate file named RECAP.WRI which you may view or print by clicking File, Open, and selecting RECAP.WRI 

Additional Topics Not Covered in the Previous Text:

Change Overs:		Changing Tenor Plain Wires to Bass Strings: 

	As you use Pscale, you will notice that the lowest 2 - 6 plain wire notes are outside (above) the inharmonicity guidelines on many scales. In many cases the tension and inharmonicity cannot be improved without converting these notes to wound strings. In deciding to convert you sort of have to make a judgment call regarding the type of piano, the customer, the benefits etc. 

	In most changeovers you would be converting a trichord plain wire to a bichord wound string. I say bichord because I generally do not like to tune trichord bass notes and will likely never convert a plain wire note to a trichord bass note. In addition, a trichord bass note would require more hitchpins.

The hitchpin problem:

	If you were to convert the two bottom trichord plain wire notes to bichord wound notes you will usually be short one hitchpin as the two plain wire notes usually use three hitchpins unless there is a hitchpin loop on the plain wires. When I do a change over, I usually place two of the four wound string hitchpin loops on the center of the three hitchpins. I do not worry about the increased load on the hitchpin as it was carrying two plain wires previously.

	The judgment call here is: Are you comfortable putting two bass strings on one hitchpin. If not, drill and insert a new hitchpin.

	Remember change overs require planning so that you can get the tail measurements for these "future bass notes" absolutely correct.

The tuning pin problem:

	In the conversion detailed above you will also have three tuning pins for only two bass strings. In this case I string the new bass strings on the for and aft tuning pins leaving the center tuning pin without a string attached. Yes, I leave the empty tuning pin in the piano. You might pop a felt punching on the unused tuning pin if you think other technicians may be tuning the piano in the future.

Pscale Main Menu Notes:

The File, Open mini File manager

This is straight out of the DOS manual but applies to the Win version as well.

	In Pscale version 2.8 and up, the Directory of Files selection has been enhanced to a mini file manager where you can tag a 62 character description to the filename as well as sort, rename, and delete scale files.

	This mini file manager is essentially a database file that stores the DOS scale file names (*.dbf) and the attached 62 character description.

	Error checking for DOS file manipulation has been included so that if you erase a old scale or copy a new scale from DOS, the mini manager will detect a different number of scale files present and update scaledir.lst (the database) accordingly. When it detects a change, it writes the current scaledir.lst to scaledir.txt (standard text file) as a backup before updating.

	There is one situation where the mini manager will not update correctly. If you erase a scale from DOS and then copy another scale to the pscale directory via the DOS copy command, you will have the same number of scale files present and the mini manager will not detect a change. I could wire Pscale to detect this but I would have to do a file access for every scale file present and compare filenames with scaledir.lst. If you had 80 scale files in your Pscale directory, every time you selected Directory Of Files, Pscale would have to access the disk 80 times to make sure this rare situation did not exist.

	If this rare situation should occur, the Directory Of Files will not list a scale that you know is there and list a scale that is not there. To correct: Open a scale file (if you get an error, this file needs to be deleted with the Dir. Of Files mini manager), Copy To an new file, reopen Directory Of Files (will create new scaledir.txt), exit Pscale and compare >COPY SCALEDIR.TXT LPT1 with >DIR *.DBF >PRN to determine which file needs to be deleted from the Directory Of Files mini file manager.

Concert Grand Bass Scaling:

	The default inharmonicity curves are good for piano's up to 7' in length. The Edit menu includes an Assign Graph Styles which allows you to select a curve more suitable to concert grand pianos. Concert Grands generally follow a different inharmonicity curve where the tenor and bass section drop well below the lower inharmonicty curve (look at STEINGD.DBF). In addition, concert grands seem to push the tensions in the bass sections well above the default tension lines (STEINGD.DBF)

	The Pscale version 3.3 for Win Graphics / Win routine now includes an options button in the auto scale (Auto) that contains a checkbox for concert grands. When checked, the auto scale will push the tensions up to levels frequently found on concert grands.