Phase drift among coupled strings extends piano note sustain by reducing bridge power flow

Evidence

As the three strings drift out of phase (which they do by design), they no longer add amplitudes constructively at the bridge, reducing power flow to the bridge and leading to a longer sustained sound. — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 1833

Categorization

• XREF: Echoes the viola/single-string energy-decay mechanisms and how radiating power depends on coherent phasing; parallels general resonance/energy-transfer ideas.