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Are "pitch lock couplers" successful in creating "same" tonal alignment for bi-chord bass strings where one of the strings has been spliced? What has been your experience with "pitch lock couplers" in general?

I've used them alot and found them to be very helpful. Not necessarily a magic cure but it makes the 2 strings match a little better. Where they really shine is the v-bar duplex section. They make that buzzy sound go away and are a life saver! I'd highly recommend them.

What Scott said! Definitely should experiment and get used to them. They are a PAIN to install but can fix some thorny problems.

Pwg

I too find them a pain to install, so I'd welcome any tips or tricks that might be offered. The best approach I've found is to lower the tension on the pair of strings until I can squeeze them together to better get the coupler on.

I have an SS-D I’d like to try them on in Lo tenor section.
Note f2 just the right string only, -middle and left are ok- it has longitudinal wave that is very noticeable.
And it’s interesting because it’s shared with f#2 that sounds fine.
Changed the wire and it don’t help.
Bridge pins are tight and notching is perfect. Can’t find a solution yet.
Thinking about pitch lock.
Who sells them, the supply houses?

For installation - try slightly expanding the clip by squeezing the bend between pliers. Place one side on one string, then pop the other side in. Once on, then slightly squeeze the outside of the clip to tighten against string... I believe there are bass clips available that are slightly longer??

Works for me!

Ron Koval

Yes, there are two sizes, one wider than the other.

Contact Scott Jones at PitchLock.com to purchase. Even he admits they are a PAIN to install, but they do the job.

Magnetized pliers helps a little. Even so I usually end up dropping one or two on the process.

Mismatched bass strings is a common place to put them. If so, I have often found that I have to do several in the area rather than just the truly offending one, in order to mitigate the tonal change that occurs upon install. YMMV

Pwg

What do these do for bichords where there are no unwanted audible harmonics or mismatch? Can they improve the tone? I think I remember someone saying he liked to use them to get rid of unwanted "honk". Just curious.

That is what I am doing.

https://youtu.be/rEFmSTb7Lg0

Like Scott, I think.

Thanks Ron for the description and Toni for the demonstration. Very helpful.

Can you demonstrate the before/after sound?

Paul.

What difference did they make to the tone?

I will do a recording at the next opportunity!

From the website demonstrations, I would really not want to use these except perhaps on a very bad off piano... The change in tone is too noticeable, and it definitely KILLS the sustain. Just listen to the bass coupler demonstration. Notice he has to strike the note faster? Because the sustain is now gone. And as Peter points out, your going to have to install them on more than just the offender, since this change will be extremely noticeable.

From what I see as results, I don't like them.

Rick,

I agree that it's only for the incorrigibly bad ones. But I will have the client listen to it and tell me whether they think it's better or not. If they like it better, I put em on. If not...usually I agree with whatever their assessment is.

The closer to the termination the better the less damping of sustain.

Pwg

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To get an idea how PitchLock works you can mimic it with 2 rare earth magnets.

Scott,

I messed around with magnets just that way a couple years ago. Mine were a bit bigger though. Yes, they do work.

Another little trick I used on a Wurlitzer console (when I didn't have my PL's with me [or I didn't feel like going out to the car to retrieve...I don't remember]) that had a REALLY bad bichord unison just above the tenor break: I asked the owner for a bread bag twisty tie thing. I weaved it under the strings between the tuning pins and nut. Then I tightened it up snug. It worked admirably. So, in a pinch, there's another trick to remember.

Pwg

Ha! I've actually thought about trying that. I guess I will now!