Wire Size Differences

[Carl Meyer]

Gordon, I would measure speaking length for each note and then use the pscale computer program to evaluate the scale.  
Use the measured wire size to get the original and then massage the sizes for the best fit curve.

If you need help let me know.

Carl Meyer  Assoc. PTG
Santa Clara, California
cmpiano@attbi.com 

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gordon Holley" <gholley@hi-techhousing.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2002 7:16 AM
Subject: Wire Size Differences


> List.  I'm re-stringing a 1936 Starr Grand and in checking the wire 
> sizes in the tenor and treble sections I first used a music wire 
> gauge, purchased from Schaff, and then took readings with a 
> micrometer.  With the wire gauge, which doesn't measure half sizes, I 
> get sizes such as 21, 19, 18, 17, etc.  When using the micrometer 
> those same wire sizes read .046 which would be a 20 1/2 wire size, 
> .042 which is an 18 1/2, .040 which is 17 1/2 wire size, and .037 
> which is a 16 wire size.  OK you get the idea.  
> I did read some time back that the wire sizes in an older piano, such 
> as this, are going to stetch over time and not give accurate 
> measurements when one is going to re-string.  Should I stick with the 
> wire sizes as taken with the wire gauge which will be full sizes and 
> no half sizes, or punt?.
> I would appreciate some discourse on this subject again.  Thanks in 
> advance to all.  BTW this is my first attempt at trying to make "Old 
> Grand" look new.  Hammers, shanks, strings, pins, felt, cloth, paint 
> job on plate, some lip stick, pearls and black boots,  etc., etc. 
> And yes, I know I won't make any profit on this when I sell it, 
> probably give it to one of our kids, but it's all a part of my 
> training and I'm having a lot of fun doing it..   Thanks again, 
> Gordon Holley, Goshen, Indiana.
>