In a message dated 2/6/00 10:17:37 PM !!!First Boot!!!, pianolover@worldspy.net writes: << Hi all, Could I get some tips/advice on what I should have in the way of a good basic variety of piano wire? I have not yet replaced any strings, but I would like to be prepared to replace/splice any broken or missing strings I may encounter. Also, I am told I will need something called a "micrometer", to measure the string gauges. How many types of wire should I carry, or is there a "universal" type I can use for basic replacement? Thanks. Terry >> >From any of the supply houses can be bought 1/3 lb. of 1/2 lb. coils of wire. If you are going to be in the tuning business, servicing customers in their homes, it would be advisable to get a complete set of these coils from size 12.5 to 21 or even 22. Also from the supply houses, you can buy a set of universal bass strings, Although not for a permanent replacement on good quality pianos, they are great for an emergency situation, or for low end pianos. A micrometer is a measuring tool to measure the thickness of piano wire. This measurement, which will show up in thousands of an inch, needs to be transposed to a piano wire size. The formula is complicated, and I am sure someone will tell it to you. But I just copied the wire thickness, and the equivalent wire size on a piece of paper, which I keep in my micrometer box. Wim
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC