Let me preface by asking for replies to be copied directly to me since I read the list in digest and searching for replies can be tricky. I wonder if some of you with lots and lots of restringing experience would care to explain how, when you're writing up a job estimate, you figure out how much string you're going to use in a given wire size. Do you base your guess in terms of how many 1# coils you'd use or do you figure by the foot, anticipating that 1# and 5# coils have a certain amount of footage per reel? Then, when you're figuring materials costs, do you figure a specific charge per unison or do you just estimate the footage used and charge by the foot? I've often wondered if one of those foot-counters (like they have in the hardware store for measuring out small tubing) would be a worthwhile investment to keep tabs on how much wire is actually used. Owen Jorgensen used to joke that he thought it wouldn't be too off-the-wall to charge for the mileage you put on your shoes when stringing pianos. On a 9' it can really add up! :-) Thanks for the replies! Ron Torrella, RPT Piano Technician University of Michigan "Dese are de conditions dat prevail." School of Music --Jimmy Durante 734/764-6207 (office/shop) 734/763-5097 (fax) 734/572-7663 (home)
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC