damper flange cords

[Lance Lafargue]

Hi all,
Only the tech list could get me outside in this frigid 60 degree Louisiana
winter weather to dig around in my truck for the kind of cord I've been
using for whippen spring cord replacement.  It was Heavy Duty Nylon.  I
bought it in the "1908 Steinway whippen" shade of brown.  That stuff is SO
strong, I can hardly imagine anything stronger (but I'm sure there is). 
Please, more discussion on whether synthetic or natural fiber is better. 
Two posts have totally opposite opinions on this.  (not a first for this
list)  I was hoping all could discuss Why they THINK one is better.  David
thinks natural is the only way to go, Theodore suggested synthetic would be
best.  Thanks.
Lance Lafargue, RPT
New Orleans Chapter
Covington, LA.
lafargue@iamerica.net

----------
> From: stanwood <stanwood@tiac.net>
> To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject: Re: damper flange cords
> Date: Tuesday, January 20, 1998 9:24 AM
> 
> What's Gosling Thread?   
> 
> Sorry to jump in so late on this but I have strong opinions on the
subject
> because we do extensive retrofits of grand repetitions with cord for
support
> springs and we don't want the stuff breaking down in the near or far
future.
> My opinion is that ANY synthetic is liable to gas out and become brittle
> over time.  My only faith is in natural fiber. 
>  
> We currently use braided linen cord that used to be used for dial cord in
> radios.  Renner makes a standard cotten cord.  "Silk" is great if it
really
> is silk.  Much of what is called silk is just shining synthetic that
looks
> like silk.  You can tell by burning it.  If it melts down it's synthetic.
> If it burns and creates carbon it's natural.  
> 
> If you must go with synthetic I recommend suture cord sold for piano
> applications by Heckscher in London.
> 
> David Stanwood
> 
> >>> What I have used lately to repair grand repetition spring cords is
> >Gosling thread. <<
> >
> >
> >What's wrong with the silk cord (#244945) listed on p.83 of the Apsco
> >catalog?
> >
> >
> >Rob Stuart-Vail
>