<html> <head> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11 (filtered)"> <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap: break-word; -khtml-nbsp-mode: space;-khtml-line-break: after-white-space'> <div class=Section1> I keep a set of spare strings for Ms, Ls & Bs though I don’t have a replacement set for a D.  We have another D I could rob in the extreme emergency.  I’ve had these spare strings for 20 years so I’d have to guess that some really are 20 years old.  They sound fine when I put them on.  About once a month I order replacements for the ones I’ve had to use that month so I can keep the sets complete.  We have way too many broken strings not to have replacements.     dp   <div> ____________________ David M. Porritt, RPT <a href="mailto:dporritt@smu.edu">dporritt@smu.edu</a> </div> <div> <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1> </div> From: caut-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Tanner Sent: Friday, February 23, 2007 2:51 PM To: College and University Technicians Subject: Re: [CAUT] unusual repair </div>     <div> <div> On Feb 23, 2007, at 2:34 PM, Willem Blees wrote: </div> <blockquote style='margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt' type=cite> Isn't that a lot like saying, "I haven't had a fire since I moved here, so I see no need for a local fire station?" </blockquote>   We have 4 D's in the school. One piano is 4 years old, I've replaced one set three years ago, and another was rebuilt about 10 years ago. The "old" Steinway is 30 years old, with original strings, and the only reason one broke is because I replace the tuning pin. If there was a constant need, even once a year, to replace one or more strings on these pianos, I could see having a replacement set around. It's not the same as "I've hadn't needed one for ever...", as we do have a back up piano for the concert hall. </div>   <div> I'll play devil's advocate. </div> <div>   </div> <div> The concept of insurance is to invest a little money into a pool to cover the risk of a larger financial loss, in these examples, fire or one broken string. That way, you don't have to save enough money to rebuild your house if something happens. You don't build a firehouse for one house, you build it for a community. Having spare strings around is insurance. But paying for full sets for every model is like building a firehouse for every house. </div> <div>   </div> <div> We have a set of strings for a D here under the cabinet. I understand they've been here since the mid 1970's. My predecessor used two out of it, just because they happened to be here. Otherwise, he usually just substituted universals on other pianos. But in over 30 years, we've needed to use two strings out of that set under the cabinet for any of our 4 Ds. That set is now up to $195. That's pretty expensive insurance for one broken string if you ask me. </div> <div>   </div> <div> I know universals are awful. But they aren't intended for long term replacement and they're a lot less expensive to keep around for emergency situations than full sets for every piano in the inventory. That's what they're for. Then you order the string you need fresh. It will be here in two or three days. Everything will be fine. </div> <div>   </div> <div> Insurance. </div> <div>   </div> <div> I guess when you aren't accustomed to having much budget to work with, you learn to spend it more frugally. </div> <div>   </div> <div> Jeff </div>   <div> <div> Jeff Tanner, RPT </div> <div> University of South Carolina </div> <div>   </div> </div>   </div> </body> </html>