wire splicing

[A440A@AOL.COM]

Pam writes:

>Any thoughts on when to use splicing compared to replacing the string?
In the bass, anytime there is sufficient wire between the agraffe and tuning 
pin,  ( about 1/2" is enough.)
> I am of the opinion that a new string is definitely the better way to go
>even considering that one would have to return to the house

  The plain wire can be installed and settled closely enough to require only 
one trip back in a week or so, so I usually replace them when they break.
>
 
    My splicing has been done on grands, so I will describe the three minute 
knot from that perspective and you can practise it flat before going 
vertical. 
  1)  Looking down on the tuning pin area line up the old string end and the 
new piece so that they are "butt-jointed" end to end.  Place a small pair of 
vise grips on the end of the old piece and turn them clockwise for 270 
degrees,(while pressing lightly down to keep the loop that is being formed as 
close to two dimensions as possible.  you may need to slightly bend it up 
when you finish so that there is a tight loop of about 1/8" or less, just 
don't kink it here).  This will leave you with the wire end crossing above 
itself and pointing to the treble. 
2)  Again, take the vise grips and grab the new piece, which is still in the 
same "butt-jointed" starting position and turn it 270 degrees 
COUNTERCLOCKWISE.   This loop needn't be any larger than the first, but it 
can be made slightly looser and bend the loop up slightly as you did the 
first one. 
3)  Now, lift the new piece up with your right hand, turn the loop so it is 
upside down, rotate the string 90 degrees counterclockwise and lay it down at 
right angles on the old string.  You then pull the new loop sideways over the 
old string and swing it back in line.  At this time you should be able to 
thread the end of the new piece through the loop of the old, and pull tight.  
 Don't let the pieces spin in relation to each other between step  2 and 3.  
The crossed ends of the pieces should be in a mirror image configuration.
   The only tricky part of the knot is the assembly move, and after a couple 
of them, that becomes automatic also. 20 minutes on the bench practising will 
upload all the chops you need.   I can tie one faster than I can describe 
how, so don't ask me how many strings I have broken in the last 25 years.( 
and dang if I ever get used to hearing them let go).....(:)}}
Regards and good luck, 
Ed Foote