I just read a really great thread here from Aug '04 about tapping strings. I had only heard of this once before. I don't mean to rehash lengthy topics but I do have one question I didn't see the answer for. Is there a specific distance from the block that strings should be seated at? I'm basically looking for an easy way to tell if a console needs to have this done. thanks, mnmmqt

Remove the action and pluck the strings on the bridge between the front and rear pins. Do you hear any musical tone? A thorough tapping requires 4 taps per string. one at each side of each pin. Start from the rear pin and work the string down towards the front speaking length.

I suggest using only a brass rod, and only pushing, not tapping with a hammer or any other tool.

All that's needed is to make the string touch the bridge cap. It's very easy to crush the string into the notch and, indeed, the whole cap, causing serious damage that's hard to fix (and changing the speaking length, too).

Go easy. You can tell if this is necessary if you hear "false beats".

--Cy--