has anyone ever done this....

[Michael Magness]

On Nov 5, 2007 7:57 PM, Brian Doepke <bdoepke at verizon.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> Yes, splicing was to be my first option, but there was not enough core left
> on the string to do so.  It's a Betsy Ross spinet.
>
>
>
>
>
> Brian P. Doepke, (dep-kee)
>
> R.P.T. (Registered Piano Technician)
>
> AAA Piano Works, Inc.
>
> Piano Tuning-Repair-Purchase Consults
>
> 260.417.1298
>
> 260.432.2043
>
>     www.aaapianoworks.com
>
>
> ________________________________
>
>
> From: John Ross [mailto:jrpiano at win.eastlink.ca]
> Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 5:34 PM
> To: Pianotech List
> Subject: Re: has anyone ever done this....
>
>
>
>
>
>
> When you replace it, bring it above pitch, and mute it off.
>
>
> It will then not bother when it drops, which it will.
>
>
> When you tune the piano the next time, first thing, bring it above pitch,
> then tune it last, leaving it a smidgeon high.
>
>
> Unless it is a new piano, I will usually splice the string if possible, this
> alleviates the stretch problem somewhat.
>
>
> John M. Ross
> Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada
> jrpiano at win.eastlink.ca
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
>
> From: Brian Doepke
>
>
> To: 'Pianotech List'
>
>
> Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 5:46 PM
>
>
> Subject: has anyone ever done this....
>
>
>
>
> I have a client that lives pretty far away and I have a new single wound
> string to replace in her piano.  In order to save another trip out there
> *after* it is installed…you know, for string +stretch+ , is there a way to
> pre-stretch the string so that there will be minimal stretch after it is
> installed?
>
>
>
> Brian P. Doepke, (dep-kee)
>
> R.P.T. (Registered Piano Technician)
>
> AAA Piano Works, Inc.
>
> Piano Tuning-Repair-Purchase Consults
>
> 260.417.1298
>
> 260.432.2043
>
>     www.aaapianoworks.com
>
>
Hi Brian,

It's not unheard of to "lose" a little of the winding in order to
splice/knot the string below the V-bar
in the (gasp)speaking length. I'm sure you wouldn't notice the
difference on a Betsy Ross spinet.
(Winter by chance?) I have done this on Yamaha P-22's and even a C-3
and others, especially if it
saved me having to drive back with the new string and back to retune
etc., etc. I've also done it
as a temporary repair for a concert or for heavy use until the new
string/strings arrive. One more thing
in a better quality piano, it's a good idea to replace both strings of
a unison if one breaks and can't be
spliced. The new one will always sound different unless you replace both.
I usually order mine from Mapes they'll make you a deal on the pair.

But that's all for next time, David P. has the best advice make sure
your coil is tight, your loop is
tight to the plate, all of your string bends are crisp, if you do all
of that I don't think I would take it
more than 25c sharp then pound it, talk to the customer a while check
it, if it doesn't drop flat in say a
half hour, I'd leave it 10 to 15c sharp and mute it off until you can
come back after explaining what
you're doing to the customer.

Mike

-- 
The way some people find fault, you'd think there was some kind of reward.
Michael Magness
Magness Piano Service
608-786-4404
www.IFixPianos.com
email mike at ifixpianos.com