[pianotech] Cleaning bass strings

[Paul McCloud]

I have used a Dremel with brass and/or steel bristles.  They wear out fast, so plan on having several per job.  No problems clogging or changing the tone.  I've also used steel wool, but don't rub sideways, lest the wool gets caught in the windings.  They'll get clean(er), but not new-looking using steel wool.  The Dremel method makes them look cleaner/newer.  I've also used the Dremel on rusty strings near/around bridge pins and other hard to reach areas.  Works well for that.  
For improving tone, I lower the tension and whack the string a bunch of times, then pull back up.  Sometimes works, sometimes not, and longevity I can't say.  You'll need to retune a few times after that.  as they drift down.
    FWIW.
    Paul McCloud


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Barbara Richmond 
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: 03/24/2011 8:42:43 AM 
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Cleaning bass strings


There was a Journal article sometime in the past few years about using a rotary tool with a brass brush attachment.  Sorry, I don't have time right now to look it up--maybe someone out there could give the specifics.

Barbara Richmond, RPT
near Peoria, Illinois

----- Original Message -----
From: "lee innocent" <ljinno at googlemail.com>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2011 9:21:31 AM
Subject: [pianotech] Cleaning bass strings


Hello again,
I am also interested in the different methods used to clean up bass strings whilst in the piano.  Working on a piano, customer doesnt want it restrung, They sound reasonable, but I would be interested in cleaning them up to see if there is a noticable improvement and also, for a visual improvemnt.
Thanks
Lee
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