[CAUT] Storing spare bass strings

[A440A at aol.com]

<< Particularly we want to have a spare for each of the wound strings on 
an S&S D (particularly mono and bi chords).  It is my understanding 
that wound strings are wound under tension and that if they aren't 
shortly returned to and kept under some tension will degrade to some 
extent >>

Greetings, 
     My logic and experience are both different.  I have kept a set of these 
strings, unused,  in a sealed PVC tube for the last 18 years at the school.  
Last year I needed  one and upon installation, it looked and sounded like a 
brand new string.  Carbon steel doesn't deteriorate unless it is stressed beyond 
its elastic limit, or subjected to corrosive influences.  The copper , I 
think, does all of its resolution of stress instantly, since it is so malleable. 
When the string maker takes it off the winding machine, it suffers all the 
deformation it is going to. 
    My suggestion is to simply put the strings in a straight,  airtight, 
container and don't worry about it.  
Regards,



Ed Foote RPT 
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html