String Breakage (Reply)

[Jon Page]

At 09:26 PM 1/19/99 +0000, you wrote:
>There is no evil it, just don't look like a professional job that is how
>it is look at over hear. However, needs must in some situations like you
>have described and if the stability is better for the fist few hours all
>the better.   As for hexcored bass string I only use them until I have a
>re-placement,  I have had odd new strings that don't mach,  they get
>sent back.  The string maker will get it right the first time if you
>keep sending his/hers strings back and worn them you will change string
>maker. 
>
>It could be that your string makers are out of practice at making odd
>strings if you all splice :-)
>
>
>Thanks for the fed back. I will have to give it a try, I will risk in on
>a Birdcage. ;-) 
>
>Barrie        


A properly tied knot is a work of art, it should be appreciated as such.
The trick is to cut the splice to the proper length to achieve three coils.
(three fingers, not four; drop the pinky).

I have knots tied in the speaking length of bass strings in commercial
pianos which are holding fine and actually sound as good if not better 
them the rest of them.

I gave up on hex-core universal strings 20 years  ago.  It seemed
I would keep them so long that they would need replacing before
they were used and the thought of what that hex core was doing to the 
hole in the agraffee settled my mind on strict replacements or splicing.

As far as matching  harmonically, on a bi-chord both strings should be
replaced if one is broken on a decent piano; this is why splicing is
the best solution or temporary fix until both strings arrive.
but the splice does not require the maintenance (as much).

If you are concerned about scratching the plate, practice.  

Spicing is my first choice with a broken string. After the third attempt
I'll acquiesce to ordering a replacement, call me stubborn. 

Jon Page
Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass. (jpage@capecod.net)
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A bus station is where a bus stops.  A train station is where a train stops,
                  On my desk, I have a work station.
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