Since this tweaked some interest I Thought I'd share this communication from Gregor Heller.
I don't think he would mind
Dale
-----Original Message-----
From: Dale Erwin <erwinspiano at aol.com>
To: service at hellerbass.de
Sent: Mon, Nov 15, 2010 8:14 am
Subject: Re: bass strings
Hi Gregor
Is there a price list or a way of pricing.
Also tell me why I should use your strings.
What are your features that you are proud of. I am asking this question in all honest sincerity
Kindest regards
Dale
Dale S. Erwin
www.Erwinspiano.com
Custom piano restoration
-
Hello Dale!
Huhh .. why to use my strings .. that´s a good question and you are the first in the last 20 years asking me that .... I needed a few minutes to answer that:
I could say that most of the prestigious european piano work shops and factories use my strings ... but this would be too easy ... and this is not what you want to hear.
After minutes of thinking the best answer is : diligence
We not only looking for best materials and best sound ... we are also looking for a perfect copper line on bridge and agraffe side.
We are controlling each set several times for the look before shipping up to using the best carriers ( UPS or TNT Express ) to get the parcel in good shape to the costumers.
We do not use full automatic machines ... all is made by hand ... from making the french eyes up to flattening the core wire on the copper beginnings and endings.
We do not use computer program ... we instead use the TF65 slide rule for scaling.
We do not use the original scale on Steinway string sets ( if costumer wishes we do of course ) ... we use an own scale on Steinway sets which are since 15 years used too on all sets for the Steinway agencies ( Berlin, Munich, Vienna etc. ) for their original Steinway repairs.
These Steinway houses prefer my scale over the original one ( but don´t worry ... we do not carry this to an extreme concerning the diameters of wire and copper - the changes are only minor but fine).
The price for set of strings up to 46 strings is 355,- USD plus express shipping ( 55 USD for 1 set, 70 USD 2 sets and so on). Each additional strings starting with the 47th is 5,- USD each.
There are small discounts if the costumer orders more than 3-5 sets per months possible.
I hope my answer comes up to your expectations.
Do not hesitate to contact me again on any further question.
If you will mail me your full address I´ll mail you a special tape measure ( with a loop at the end ) for taking these A and B lengths for free.
Best regards
Gregor
Gregor.
With so many bass string makers out there to choose from I wanted to know your philosophy . I have used some strings that sound like banjo wire ond others were scaled waaaay to heavy.
So your answers were what I was looking for.
Primarily THE SOUND. This is everything to me. Next is getting the copper wrap to within 12 mm of the aggraffe and bridge. and nice and even. Next a good swedge that doesn't break.
After this comes personal service. This is huge to me.
What type of core wire. What brand is it? I am not a fan of Roslau wire. It does not seem to me to be as ductile as the swedish wire. Maybe you have something even better than that.
what is you turn around time?
We use a couple dozen sets a year.
Thanks for answering these questions
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hellerbass
Ringstr. 4
74927 Eschelbronn
Deutschland
fon: +49-6226-42444
fax: +49-6226-4397
mail: service at hellerbass.de
net: www.hellerba
Dale S. Erwin
www.Erwinspiano.com
Custom piano restoration
Ronsen piano hammers-sales
R & D and tech support
Sitka soundboard panels
209-577-8397
209-985-0990
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech.php/attachments/20101115/d5a3fa7f/attachment-0001.htm>
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC