different focus was Re: Bass strings/Willem's response

Wimblees@AOL.COM Wimblees@AOL.COM
Thu, 2 May 2002 13:53:48 EDT


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Somehow the focus on this subject changed from what the original intent of 
the post was, and I wound up trying to defend string breakage, which was not 
my initial intent. I would like to go back to the original question, and 
discuss that topic.

If I recall, the original question was, "can bass strings be replaced without 
damaging the piano?" To which Joe said, the treble strings should be replaced 
also. To which I responded they don't have to be replaced. Somehow that got 
to be interpreted that I wouldn't replace strings even though they loose 
elasticity, plastic, become corroded, rusted, get fatigued, etc. 

I agree with all of those reasons treble strings should be replaced. But the 
one reason, which was my point, that treble strings do not be replaced is the 
sound, or tone of the strings. By all means, if the strings are breaking like 
crazy, because of any or all of the above reasons, then yes, they should be 
replaced. But I don't think replacing them will change the tone of the piano. 
There are other factors that will change the tone, but not the new strings 
themselves. 

The other thing to consider on this 100 year old piano is the cost factor. Is 
it really worth replacing the treble strings on this piano? There is a hell 
of lot more labor involved to restring the entire piano, than just to do the 
bass strings.  A new set of bass strings, including the parts and the labor 
to install them, and the couple of trips back to retune, is in the 
neighborhood of $300 - $400.  To restring the entire piano, including the 
trips back to retune, is in the neighborhood of $1500 - $2000. (That's if it 
is done in the shop. If they piano has to be moved, add a couple of hundred 
dollars.)  So one has to ask the question, is the piano worth spending 3 to 4 
times as much money on? And for a 100 year old upright, my answer would be 
no. 

Wim 

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