X-Git-Url: https://git.donarmstrong.com/?a=blobdiff_plain;f=Documentation%2Fuser%2Fstaff.itely;h=8b8c72705c4ccf9b67a94cd19982a1ef90d4eb85;hb=af3209cc3835dbfd80ed18611c59189afc9ac563;hp=68e78ac3fe6ae6ee935765c3fe65954108466774;hpb=0b179dd5218c5c1f05ee9adb6cb3597422a4984a;p=lilypond.git

diff --git a/Documentation/user/staff.itely b/Documentation/user/staff.itely
index 68e78ac3fe..8b8c72705c 100644
--- a/Documentation/user/staff.itely
+++ b/Documentation/user/staff.itely
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@
     version that you are working on.  See TRANSLATION for details.
 @end ignore
 
+@c \version "2.11.38"
+
 @node Staff notation
 @section Staff notation
 
@@ -31,53 +33,104 @@ staves into groups, which can be marked in the beginning of each
 line with either a bracket or a brace.
 
 @menu
-* Initiating new staves::       
-* Grouping staves::             
+* Instantiating new staves::
+* Grouping staves:: 
+* Deeper nested staff groups::  
 @end menu
 
-@node Initiating new staves
-@subsubsection Initiating new staves
+@node Instantiating new staves
+@subsubsection Instantiating new staves
 
 @cindex new staff
 @cindex staff initiation
+@cindex staff instantiation
 @cindex staff, new
+@cindex staff, single
+@cindex drum staff
+@cindex percussion staff
+@cindex Gregorian transcription staff
+@cindex rhythmic staff
+@cindex tabstaff
+@cindex tablature
+
+Staves (sg. staff) are created with the @code{\new} or
+@code{\context} commands.  For an explanation on these commands,
+see @ref{Creating contexts}.
+
+There are different predefined staff contexts available in LilyPond:
+
+@itemize
+@item
+The default is @code{Staff}:
 
-The lines of a staff (pl. staves) are produced by a @code{staff symbol} 
-layout object.
-LilyPond ensures that all music is printed on staff lines so if you just
-type in some notes, the staff symbol is added automatically to the output.
-This is just a shortcut to make the program usage more easy, but in most
-cases where you want to print more complex music on more than on staff
-it is better to create the staff explicitly at the beginning of your
-music inside of the @code{\score} environment.
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote,fragment,relative=2]
+\new Staff { c d e f }
+@end lilypond
 
-With the command @code{\new Staff @{ ... @}} you actually call a new 
-Staff context that has already everything set up to the default 
-engraving rules. @ref{Creating contexts} explains how different contexts
-are called.
+@item
+@code{DrumStaff} creates a five line staff set up for a typical drum set.
+It uses different names for each instrument.  The instrument names have to
+be set using the @code{drummode}.  See @ref{Percussion staves}.
+
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
+\new DrumStaff { 
+  \drummode { cymc hh ss tomh }
+}
+@end lilypond
+
+@c FIXME: remove when mentioned in NR 2.8
+@item
+@code{GregorianTranscriptionStaff} sets up a staff to notate modern
+Gregorian chant.  It does not show bar lines.
+
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote,fragment,relative=2]
+\new GregorianTranscriptionStaff { c d e f }
+@end lilypond
+
+@item
+@code{RhythmicStaff} can be used to show the rhythm of some music.  The
+notes are printed on one line regardless of their pitch, but the duration
+is preserved.  See @ref{Showing melody rhythms}.
+
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote,fragment,relative=2]
+\new RhythmicStaff { c d e f }
+@end lilypond
+
+@item
+@code{TabStaff} creates by default a tablature with six strings in 
+standard guitar tuning.  See @ref{Guitar tablatures}.
+
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote,fragment,relative=2]
+\new TabStaff { c d e f }
+@end lilypond
+
+@end itemize
+
+@noindent
+Besides these staves there are two staff contexts specific for the notation
+of ancient music: @code{MensuralStaff} and @code{VaticanaStaff}.  They are
+described in @ref{Pre-defined contexts}.
 
 Once a staff is instantiated it can be started or stopped at every point
-in the score. This is done with the commands @code{\startStaff} and 
-@code{\stopStaff}. How to use it is shown in @ref{Staff symbol}.
+in the score.  This is done with the commands @code{\startStaff} and 
+@code{\stopStaff}.  How to use it is explained in @ref{Staff symbol}.
 
-Besides the default @code{Staff} context there are also
-specialized staff contexts for setting percussion, Guitar music,
-and ancient music.
-See @ref{Printing chord names}, @ref{Percussion staves}, 
-@ref{Tablatures basic}, @ref{Gregorian Chant contexts}, and
-@ref{Mensural contexts} for an explanation.
 
 @seealso
 
 Music Glossary: @rglos{staff}, @rglos{staves}.
 
-Notation Reference: @ref{Printing chord names}, @ref{Percussion staves}, 
-@ref{Tablatures basic}, @ref{Gregorian Chant contexts}, and
+Notation Reference: @ref{Percussion staves}, 
+@ref{Guitar tablatures}, @ref{Gregorian Chant contexts},
 @ref{Mensural contexts}.
 
-Snippets: @lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}.
+Snippets:
+@lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}.
 
-Internals Reference: @internalsref{Staff}.
+Internals Reference: @internalsref{Staff}, @internalsref{DrumStaff},
+@internalsref{GregorianTranscriptionStaff}, @internalsref{RhythmicStaff},
+@internalsref{TabStaff}, @internalsref{MensuralStaff},
+@internalsref{VaticanaStaff}, @internalsref{StaffSymbol}.
 
 
 
@@ -98,70 +151,64 @@ Internals Reference: @internalsref{Staff}.
 @cindex system
 
 LilyPond provides different types of contexts to group single staves 
-together. These contexts influence in the first place the appearance
+together.  These contexts influence in the first place the appearance
 of the system start delimiter, but they have also influence on the
-behaviour of the bar lines.
-
+behavior of the bar lines.
 
 @itemize
 @item
 If no context is specified, the default properties for the score
 will be used: the group is started with a vertical line, and the
-bar lines are not connected.  
+bar lines are not connected.  The name of the beginning bar line 
+grob is @code{SystemStartBar}.  
 
-@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
-\relative c'' { <<
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote,fragment,relative=2]
+<<
   \new Staff { c1 c }
   \new Staff { c c }
->> }
+>>
 @end lilypond
 
 @item
 In a @code{StaffGroup}, the bar lines will be drawn through
 all the staves, and the group is started with a bracket.
 
-@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
-\new StaffGroup {
-  \relative c'' <<
-    \new Staff { c1 c }
-    \new Staff { c c }
-  >>
-}
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote,fragment,relative=2]
+\new StaffGroup <<
+  \new Staff { c1 c }
+  \new Staff { c c }
+>>
 @end lilypond
 
 @item
 In a @code{ChoirStaff}, the group is 
 started with a bracket, but bar lines are not connected. 
 
-@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
-\new ChoirStaff {
-  \relative c'' <<
-    \new Staff { c1 c }
-    \new Staff { c c }
-  >>
-}
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote,fragment,relative=2]
+\new ChoirStaff <<
+  \new Staff { c1 c }
+  \new Staff { c c }
+>>
 @end lilypond
 
 @item
 In a @code{GrandStaff}, the group is started with a brace
 at the left, and bar lines are connected between the staves. 
 
-@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
-\new GrandStaff {
-  \relative c'' <<
-    \new Staff { c1 c }
-    \new Staff { c c }
-  >>
-}
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote,fragment,relative=2]
+\new GrandStaff <<
+  \new Staff { c1 c }
+  \new Staff { c c }
+>>
 @end lilypond
 
 @item
 The @code{PianoStaff} behaves almost as the @code{GrandStaff} but is
-optimized for setting piano music.
+optimized for setting piano music. In particular it supports the printing
+of an instrument name directly, see @ref{Instrument names}.
 
-@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
-\new PianoStaff
-\relative c'' <<
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote,fragment,relative=2]
+\new PianoStaff <<
   \new Staff { c1 c }
   \new Staff { c c }
 >>
@@ -169,100 +216,161 @@ optimized for setting piano music.
 
 @end itemize
 
+Each staff group context sets the property
+@code{systemStartDelimiter} to one of the values
+@code{SystemStartBar}, @code{SystemStartBrace},
+and @code{SystemStartBracket}.  A fourth delimiter,
+@code{systemStartSquare}, is also available, but must be
+instantiated manually.  The usage of this last delimiter is shown further
+down in the snippet section.
+
 According to classic engraver rules an orchestral score consists of
-staves connected only with a single line at the beginning of the system.
+staves connected only with a single line at the beginning of the system. 
 In LilyPond this is produced grouping the @code{Staff} contexts with
 @code{<< ... >>}.
 
 Each instrument family is grouped inside of a @code{StaffGroup} with a 
-starting bracket. A group of same instruments or an instrument using
+starting bracket.  A group of same instruments or an instrument using
 more than one staff is grouped with braces in a @code{GrandStaff}.
 
 As the context names tell, @code{PianoStaff} is used for notating
 piano music and @code{ChoirStaff} for all kind of vocal ensemble music.
 
-Here is an example of an orchestral score using groupings. Note that the
-instrument names are omited here, see @ref{Instrument names} how to set 
-them.
 
-@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
-\score{ \relative c' {
-<<
-  \new StaffGroup %the woodwinds group
+@snippets
+
+@lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc]
+{use-square-bracket-at-the-start-of-a-staff-group.ly}
+
+@lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc]
+{display-bracket-with-only-one-staff-in-a-system.ly}
+
+@cindex mensurstriche layout
+@cindex renaissance music
+@cindex transcription of mensural music
+@cindex mensural music, transcription of
+
+@lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc]
+{mensurstriche-layout-bar-lines-between-the-staves.ly}
+@c FIXME: move to NR 2.8.x when sectioning is ready
+
+@seealso
+
+Music Glossary: @rglos{brace}, 
+@rglos{bracket}, @rglos{grand staff}.
+
+Snippets:
+@lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}.
+
+Internals Reference: @internalsref{Staff}, @internalsref{ChoirStaff},
+@internalsref{GrandStaff}, @internalsref{PianoStaff}, 
+@internalsref{StaffGroup}, @internalsref{systemStartDelimiter},
+@internalsref{SystemStartBar}, @internalsref{SystemStartBrace},
+@internalsref{SystemStartBracket}, @internalsref{systemStartSquare}.
+
+
+@node Deeper nested staff groups
+@subsubsection Deeper nested staff groups
+
+There are also two inner staff contexts named @code{InnerStaffGroup}
+and @code{InnerChoirStaffGroup} besides the grouping contexts mentioned
+in @ref{Grouping staves}.  They behave in the same way as their simple
+counterparts, except that they are contained in another staff grouping
+context, thus producing one more bracket on top of the existing one. 
+Note that @code{GrandStaff} and @code{PianoStaff} do not have any inner
+grouping contexts.  They can both be inside any other staff context, 
+including inner staff groups, though.
+
+Here is an example of an orchestral score using groupings and nesting
+of these groupings.  Note that the instrument names are omitted from the
+source code, for instructions how to set them see @ref{Instrument names}.
+
+@cindex staff, nested
+@cindex staves, nested
+@cindex nesting of staves
+@cindex system start delimiters, nested
+@cindex nested staff brackets
+@cindex brackets, nesting of
+@cindex braces, nesting of
+@cindex inner staff group
+@cindex inner choir staff group
+
+
+@example
+\score @{ <<
+  \new StaffGroup %woodwinds
   <<
-    \new Staff { c1 c }
-    \new Staff { c c }
-    \new Staff { c c }
+  \new Staff @{ c'1 d' @} %flute
+  \new InnerStaffGroup <<
+    \new Staff @{ c' d' @} %sax 
+    \new Staff @{ c' d' @} %oboe
+    \new Staff @{ c' d' @} %English horn
+    >>
+  \new Staff @{ \clef bass c d @} %bassoon
   >>
   \new StaffGroup %the brass group
   <<
-    \new Staff { c c }
-    \new Staff { c c }
+    \new Staff @{ c' d' @} %trumpet
+    \new Staff @{ \clef bass c d @} %trombone
     \new GrandStaff %the horns need a GrandStaff (same instrument)
     <<
-      \new Staff { c c }
-      \new Staff {\clef bass c c }
+      \new Staff @{ c' d' @}
+      \new Staff @{ \clef bass c d @}
     >>
   >>
-  \new ChoirStaff %for a vocal part
+  \new ChoirStaff %for setting vocal music
   <<
-    \new Staff { c c }
-    \new Staff {\clef alto c c }
-    \new Staff {\clef bass c c }
+   \new Staff @{ c' d' @}
+    \new InnerChoirStaff <<
+     \new Staff @{ c' d' @}
+     \new Staff @{ c' d' @}
+    >>
+   \new Staff @{ c' d' @}
   >>
   \new PianoStaff %for the piano
   <<
-    \new Staff { c c }
-    \new Staff {\clef bass c c }
+    \new Staff @{ c' d' @}
+    \new Staff @{\clef bass c d @}
   >>
->>
-} }
-@end lilypond
-
-The different staff contexts are already nested in this example, as
-the @q{horn section} is contained both in a @code{StaffGroup} and a 
-@code{GrandStaff}.
-
-@cindex staff, nested
-
-It is also possible to nest staves of the same type with the contexts
-@code{InnerStaffGroup} and @code{InnerChoirStaffGroup}. These behave like
-the corresponding normal staff groups but can only initiated inside of
-another staff context. Again LilyPond would add a normal @code{StaffGroup}
-to the output, if you would start a score with an @code{InnerStaffGroup}. 
-
-Note that @code{GrandStaff} and @code{PianoStaff} do not have any inner
-grouping contexts. They can both be inside an inner staff context, though.
+>> @}
+@end example
 
-@c snippet staff-brackets.ly
-@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
-\score { 
-<<
-  \new StaffGroup << 
-  \new Staff {c' d' e' f'}
+@c no verbatim so instrument names are only in the music
+@lilypond[ragged-right,quote]
+\score { <<
+  \new StaffGroup %woodwinds
+  <<
+  \new Staff {\set Staff.instrumentName = "fl" c'1 d' } %flute
   \new InnerStaffGroup <<
-   \new Staff {c' d' e' f'}
-   \new GrandStaff <<
-     \new Staff {c' d' e' f'}
-     \new Staff {c' d' e' f'}
-   >>
-  \new Staff {c' d' e' f'}
+    \new Staff { \set Staff.instrumentName = "sax" c' d' } %sax 1
+    \new Staff { \set Staff.instrumentName = "ob" c' d' } %sax 2
+    \new Staff { \set Staff.instrumentName = "ca" c' d' }
+    >>
+  \new Staff {\set Staff.instrumentName = "bs" \clef bass c d } %bassoon
   >>
-  \new ChoirStaff <<
-   \new Staff {c' d' e' f'}
-    \new InnerStaffGroup <<
-     \new Staff {c' d' e' f'}
+  \new StaffGroup %the brass group
+  <<
+    \new Staff {\set Staff.instrumentName = "tr" c' d' } %trumpet
+    \new Staff {\set Staff.instrumentName = "tb" \clef bass c d } %trombone
+    \new GrandStaff %the horns need a GrandStaff (same instrument)
+    <<
+      \new Staff {\set Staff.instrumentName = "cor1" c' d' }
+      \new Staff {\set Staff.instrumentName = "cor2" \clef bass c d }
     >>
-   \new Staff {c' d' e' f'}
   >>
+  \new ChoirStaff %for setting vocal music
+  <<
+   \new Staff {\set Staff.instrumentName = "S" c' d' }
+    \new InnerChoirStaff <<
+     \new Staff {\set Staff.instrumentName = "A1" c' d' }
+     \new Staff {\set Staff.instrumentName = "A2" c' d' }
+    >>
+   \new Staff {\set Staff.instrumentName = "T" c' d' }
   >>
-  \new ChoirStaff << 
-   \new Staff {c' d' e' f'}
-   \new InnerChoirStaff <<
-    \new Staff {c' d' e' f'}
-    \new Staff {c' d' e' f'}
-   >>
-   \new Staff {c' d' e' f'}
+  \new PianoStaff %for the piano
+  <<
+    \new Staff { c' d' }
+    \new Staff {\clef bass c d }
   >>
 >> }
 @end lilypond
@@ -270,141 +378,234 @@ grouping contexts. They can both be inside an inner staff context, though.
 
 @snippets
 
-@c FIXME: not yet in master
-@c @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc]
-@c {nesting-staves.ly}
+@lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc]
+{nesting-staves.ly}
 
 
-More complex nesting can be accomplished using the property
-@code{systemStartDelimiterHierarchy}: 
+@seealso
 
-@lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
-\new StaffGroup
-\relative <<
-  \set StaffGroup.systemStartDelimiterHierarchy
-    = #'(SystemStartSquare (SystemStartBracket a
-                             (SystemStartSquare b)) d)
-  \new Staff { c1 }
-  \new Staff { c1 }
-  \new Staff { c1 }
-  \new Staff { c1 }
-  \new Staff { c1 }
->>
-@end lilypond
+Snippets:
+@lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}.
 
-Each staff group context sets the property
-@code{systemStartDelimiter} to one of the values
-@internalsref{SystemStartBar}, @internalsref{SystemStartBrace},
-and @internalsref{SystemStartBracket}.  A fourth delimiter,
-@code{systemStartSquare}, is also available, but must be
-instantiated manually
+Internals Reference: @internalsref{InnerChoirStaffGroup}, 
+@internalsref{InnerStaffGroup}, @internalsref{SystemStartBar}, 
+@internalsref{SystemStartBrace}, @internalsref{SystemStartBracket},
+@internalsref{systemStartDelimiterHierarchy}.
 
 
 
-@cindex mensurstriche layout
-@cindex renaissance music
-@cindex transcription of mensural music
-@cindex mensural music, transcription of
+@node Modifying single staves
+@subsection Modifying single staves
 
+This section explains how to change specific attributes of one 
+staff like the staff lines, starting and stopping of staves, sizing
+of staves, and setting ossia sections.
 
-@c FIXME: not yet in master
-@c @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc]
-@c {mensurstriche-layout.ly}
+@menu
+* Staff symbol::   
+* Ossia staves::             
+* Hiding staves::    
+@end menu
 
-Other groupings may be achieved by changing various properties.
-E.g., the
-@q{Mensurstriche} layout common in Renaissance music, with
-bar lines running between but not through the staves, can be
-produced from a @code{StaffGroup} or @code{GrandStaff} context if
-the bar lines are made transparent in the @code{Staff} itself:
+@node Staff symbol
+@subsubsection Staff symbol
 
-@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
-global = {\override Staff.BarLine #'transparent = ##t
-          s1 s
-          %the final bar line is not interupted
-          \once \override Staff.BarLine #'transparent = ##f
-          \bar "|."}
-\new StaffGroup
-\relative c'' <<
-  \new Staff {<< \global { c1 c } >>}
-  \new Staff {<< \global { c c } >>}
->>
-@end lilypond
+@cindex adjusting staff symbol
+@cindex drawing staff symbol
+@cindex staff symbol, setting of
+@cindex stop staff lines
+@cindex start staff lines
+@cindex staff lines, amount of
+@cindex staff lines, number of
+@cindex staff line, thickness of
+@cindex amount of staff lines
+@cindex thickness of staff lines
+@cindex ledger lines, setting
+@cindex setting of ledger lines
+@cindex spacing of ledger lines
+@cindex number of staff lines
 
+The layout object which draws the lines of a staff is called
+@code{staff symbol}.  The staff symbol may be tuned in number,
+thickness and distance of lines, using properties.  It may also
+be started and stopped at every point in the score.
 
+@itemize
+@item
+Changing the number of staff lines is done by overriding 
+@code{line-count}.  You may need to adjust the clef position
+and the position of the middle C to fit to the new staff.  For
+an explanation, see the snippet section in @ref{Displaying pitches}.
 
-@c FIXME: Graham will deal with this.  -gp
-@c snippet 201
-To display a bracket even if there is only one staff, see
-@c @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc]
-@c {staff,display-bracket-with-only-one-staff-in-a system.ly}
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
+\new Staff {
+  \override Staff.StaffSymbol  #'line-count = #3
+  d d d d
+}
+@end lilypond
 
-@seealso
+@item
+The placement and amount of the staff lines can also set totally 
+manually by defining their positions explicitly.  The middle
+of the staff has the value of 0, each half staff space up and down
+adds an integer.  The default values are 4 2 0 -2 -4.  Bar lines
+are drawn according to the calculated width of the system, but
+they are always centered.  As the
+example shows, the positions of the notes are not influenced
+by the position of the staff lines.
 
-Music Glossary: @rglos{brace}, 
-@rglos{bracket}.
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
+\new Staff \with {
+  \override StaffSymbol #' line-positions = #' ( 7 3 0 -4 -6 -7 )
+  }{
+  a e' f' b' d''
+}
+@end lilypond
 
-Snippets: @lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}
+@item
+The staff line thickness can be set by overriding the @code{thickness}
+property.  Note that it gets applied also to ledger lines and stems, 
+since they depend on the staff line thickness.  The argument of 
+@code{thickness} is a factor of @code{line-thickness} which defaults
+to the normal staff line thickness.
 
-Internals Reference: @internalsref{ChoirStaff},
-@internalsref{GrandStaff}, @internalsref{PianoStaff}, 
-@internalsref{StaffGroup},
-@internalsref{SystemStartBar}, @internalsref{SystemStartBrace},
-@internalsref{SystemStartBracket}, @internalsref{SystemStartSquare}.
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
+\new Staff \with {
+  \override StaffSymbol #'thickness = #3
+  }{
+  d d d d
+}
+@end lilypond
 
+@item
+The thickness of the ledger lines can also be set independent of the
+settings for staff lines.  The setting is calculated from a pair of
+values which will be added for the final thickness.  The first value 
+is the staff line thickness multiplied by a factor, the second is
+the staff space multiplied by a factor.  In the example the ledger
+lines get their thickness from one staff line thickness plus 1/5 
+staff space, so they are heavier than a normal staff line.
 
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
+\new Staff \with {
+  \override StaffSymbol #'  ledger-line-thickness = #' ( 1 . 0.2 ) }
+  {
+  d d d d
+}
+@end lilypond
 
-@node Modifying single staves
-@subsection Modifying single staves
+@item
+The distance of the stafflines can be changed with the 
+@code{staff-space} property. Its argument is the amount
+of staff spaces that should be inserted between the lines.
+The default value is 1. Setting the distance has
+influence on the staff lines as well as on ledger lines.
 
-@menu
-* Staff symbol::                
-* Ossia staves::                
-* Hiding staves::               
-@end menu
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
+\new Staff \with {
+  \override StaffSymbol #' staff-space  = #1.5
+  }{
+  a b c' d'
+}
+@end lilypond
 
-@node Staff symbol
-@subsubsection Staff symbol
+@item
+The length of the staff line can also be adjusted
+manually.  The unit is one staff space.  Spacing 
+of the objects inside the staff does not get influenced 
+by this setting.
 
-@cindex adjusting staff symbol
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
+\new Staff \with {
+  \override StaffSymbol #' width = #23
+  }{
+  a e' f' b' d''
+}
+@end lilypond
 
-The layout object which draws the lines of a staff is called
-@code{staff symbol}.  The staff symbol may be tuned in the number,
-thickness and distance of lines, using properties.  This is
-demonstrated in the example files
-@c @lsr{staff,changing-the-number-of-lines-in-a-staff.ly} and
-@c @lsr{staff,changing-the-staff-size.ly}.
+@end itemize
 
-In addition, staves may be started and stopped at will.  This is
-done with @code{\startStaff} and @code{\stopStaff}.
+These properties can only be set before instantiating the staff symbol.
+But it is possible to start and stop staves in the middle of a score,
+so each new setting will be applied to the newly instantiated staff.
 
 @lilypond[verbatim,relative=2,fragment]
 b4 b
+%Set here the overrides for the staff 
 \override Staff.StaffSymbol #'line-count = 2
 \stopStaff \startStaff
 b b
+%Revert to the default
 \revert Staff.StaffSymbol #'line-count
 \stopStaff \startStaff
 b b
 @end lilypond
+ 
+@predefined
+
+@code{\stopStaff}, @code{\startStaff}
+
+@snippets
+
+@lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc]
+{making-some-staff-lines-thicker-than-the-others.ly}
+
+@seealso
+
+Glossary: @rglos{line}, @rglos{ledger line}, @rglos{staff}.
+
+Internals Reference: @internalsref{StaffSymbol}.
+
+@knownissues
+
+When setting staff lines manually, bar lines are
+always drawn centered on the position 0, so the
+maximum distance of the bar lines in either direction 
+must be equal.
+
 
 @node Ossia staves
 @subsubsection Ossia staves
 
-@cindex staves, Frenched
+@cindex staff, Frenched
 @cindex ossia
 @cindex Frenched staves
+@cindex staff, resizing of
+@cindex resizing of staves
+
+Tweaking the staff object allows to resize the staff:
+
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
+  \new Staff \with {
+    fontSize = #-3
+    \override StaffSymbol #'staff-space = #(magstep -3)
+    \override StaffSymbol #'thickness = # (magstep -3)
+  }
+  {
+    \clef bass
+    c8 c c c  c c c c
+  }
+@end lilypond
+
+@noindent
+This involves shrinking the staff spaces, the staff lines and
+the font size by the factor 3.  You find a more precise explanation
+in @ref{Setting the staff size}.
 
-In combination with Frenched staves, this may be used to typeset
-@emph{ossia} sections.  An example is shown here
+The @emph{ossia} section in the next example are just put parallel
+to the main staff with @code{<<} and @code{>>} brackets.  The @emph{ossia}
+staff is stopped and started explicitely and white space is inserted 
+with the @code{\skip} command.
 
 @lilypond[verbatim,relative=2,quote]
 <<
   \new Staff \with
   {
+    %No time signature in the ossia staff
     \remove "Time_signature_engraver"
-    fontSize = #-2
-    \override StaffSymbol #'staff-space = #(magstep -2)
+    fontSize = #-3
+    \override StaffSymbol #'staff-space = #(magstep -3)
+    \override StaffSymbol #'thickness = # (magstep -3)
     firstClef = ##f
   }
   \relative c'' {
@@ -421,70 +622,63 @@ In combination with Frenched staves, this may be used to typeset
     \startStaff
     f8 d g4 
   }
-  \new Staff  \relative
-  {
+  \new Staff  \relative c'' {
     \time 2/4
     c4 c g' g a a g2
   }
-
 >>
 @end lilypond
 
-@cindex staff lines, setting number of
-@cindex staff lines, setting thickness of
-@cindex thickness of staff lines, setting
-@cindex number of staff lines, setting
+
+@snippets
+
+@c  lilypondfile{Making-some-staff-lines-thicker-than-the-others.ly}
+@c snippet 277
 
 @seealso
 
 Music Glossary: @rglos{ossia}, @rglos{staff}, @rglos{Frenched staff}.
 
-Snippets: @lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}
+Snippets:
+@lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}.
 
-Internals Reference: @internalsref{StaffSymbol},
-@internalsref{DrumStaff}.
+Internals Reference: @internalsref{StaffSymbol}.
 
 
 @node Hiding staves
 @subsubsection Hiding staves
 
 @cindex Frenched scores
-@cindex staves, hiding
-@cindex staves, empty 
+@cindex staff, hiding
+@cindex staff, empty 
+@cindex hiding of staves
+@cindex empty staves
+@cindex Frenched staves
 
 In orchestral scores, staff lines that only have rests are usually
 removed; this saves some space.  This style is called @q{French
-Score}.  For @code{Lyrics}, @code{ChordNames} and
-@code{FiguredBass}, this is switched on by default.  When
+Score}.  For the @code{Lyrics}, @code{ChordNames}, and
+@code{FiguredBass} contexts, this is switched on by default.  When
 the lines of these contexts turn out empty after the line-breaking
 process, they are removed.
 
-For normal staves, a specialized @code{Staff} context is
-available, which does the same: staves containing nothing (or only
-multi-measure rests) are removed.  The context definition is
-stored in @code{\RemoveEmptyStaffContext} variable.  Observe how
-the second staff in this example disappears in the second line
+For normal staves this behaviour is called
+with the @code{\RemoveEmptyStaffContext} command.  It is set
+in the @code{\layout} block.  As a result staves containing 
+nothing or whole mesure rests are removed after a line break.
 
 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
 \layout {
   \context { \RemoveEmptyStaffContext }
 }
-
-{
-  \relative c' <<
+\relative c'' {
+  <<
     \new Staff { e4 f g a \break c1 }
     \new Staff { c4 d e f \break R1 }
-  >>
+  >>  
 }
 @end lilypond
 
-The first system shows all staves in full.  If empty staves should
-be removed from the first system too, set @code{remove-first} to
-true in @code{VerticalAxisGroup}.
-
-@example
-\override Score.VerticalAxisGroup #'remove-first = ##t
-@end example
 
 To remove other types of contexts, use
 @code{\AncientRemoveEmptyStaffContext} or
@@ -494,8 +688,7 @@ To remove other types of contexts, use
 
 Another application of the @code{\RemoveEmptyStaffContext} is to
 make ossia sections, i.e., alternative melodies on a separate
-piece of staff, with help of a Frenched staff.  See @ref{Staff
-symbol}. 
+piece of staff, with help of a Frenched staff.  See @ref{Ossia staves}. 
 
 You can make the staff lines invisible by removing the
 @code{Staff_symbol_engraver} from the @code{Staff} context.
@@ -513,11 +706,59 @@ You can make the staff lines invisible by removing the
 }
 @end lilypond
 
+@snippets
+
+The first empty staff can also be removed from the score with a 
+setting in the @code{VerticalAxisGroup} property.  This can be done 
+globally inside the @code{\layout} block, or locally inside the 
+specific staff that should be removed. In the latter case, 
+you have to specify the context (@code{Staff} applies only to the 
+current staff) in front of the property.
+
+The lower staff of the second staff group is not removed, 
+because the setting applies only to the specific staff inside 
+of which it is written.
+
+@lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=2]
+\layout {
+  \context { 
+    \RemoveEmptyStaffContext 
+    %To use the setting globally, uncomment the following line:
+    %\override VerticalAxisGroup #'remove-first = ##t
+  }
+}
+\new StaffGroup
+  \relative c'' <<
+    \new Staff {    
+      e4 f g a \break c1 }
+    \new Staff {
+      %To use the setting globally, comment this line, uncomment the line above
+      \override Staff.VerticalAxisGroup #'remove-first = ##t
+      R1 \break R1 }
+  >>
+\new StaffGroup
+  <<
+    \new Staff { e4 f g a \break c1 }
+    \new Staff { R \break R1 }
+  >>
+@end lilypond
+
+@c FIXME not yet in master
+@c lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc]
+@c {remove-the-first-empy-line.ly}
+
+@predefined
+
+@code{\RemoveEmptyStaffContext},
+@code{\AncientRemoveEmptyStaffContext},
+@code{\RemoveEmptyRhythmicStaffContext},
+
 @seealso
 
 Notation Reference: @ref{Staff symbol}.
 
-Snippets: @lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}
+Snippets:
+@lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}.
 
 Internals Reference: @internalsref{ChordNames},
 @internalsref{FiguredBass}, @internalsref{Lyrics},
@@ -573,7 +814,7 @@ c4^\markup {
 @end lilypond
 
 @noindent
-For more details, see @ref{Text markup}.
+For more details, see @ref{Formatting text}.
 
 
 @seealso
@@ -581,9 +822,10 @@ For more details, see @ref{Text markup}.
 Music Glossary: @rglos{metronome}, @rglos{metronomic indication},
 @rglos{tempo indication}, @rglos{metronome mark}.
 
-Notation Reference: @ref{Text markup}.
+Notation Reference: @ref{Formatting text}.
 
-Snippets: @lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}.
+Snippets:
+@lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}.
 
 Internals Reference: @internalsref{MetronomeMark}, @ref{MIDI
 output}.
@@ -702,7 +944,8 @@ c1 c c c \break
 
 Notation Reference: @ref{Modifying context plug-ins}.
 
-Snippets: @lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}
+Snippets:
+@lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}.
 
 Internals Reference: @internalsref{InstrumentName},
 @internalsref{PianoStaff}, @internalsref{Staff}.
@@ -824,7 +1067,8 @@ written entirely in lower-case letters: @code{\addquote}.
 
 Notation Reference: @ref{Instrument transpositions}.
 
-Snippets: @lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}
+Snippets:
+@lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}.
 
 Internals Reference: @internalsref{QuoteMusic}, @internalsref{Voice}.
 
@@ -937,7 +1181,8 @@ cbsn = \relative c, {
 
 @seealso
 
-Snippets: @lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}.
+Snippets:
+@lsrdir{Staff,Staff-notation}.
 
 Internals Reference: @internalsref{Voice}.