Stringing materials estimates (tech)

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi Ron:

I can't imagine that any restringer except at the factory level would be
very concerned about the number of feet of wire that is being used. Just 
keep an extra 5# package available at all times. It is not worth your time
or effort to keep track in such detail. A manufacturer, or course, must
know because he buys in large volume and uses wire in large volume.

Jim Coleman, Sr.

On Mon, 24 May 1999, Ron Torrella wrote:

> 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
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