[pianotech] Deck the halls with universal bass strings

Wed Dec 23 07:12:16 MST 2009

Rob,
When I cut off the excess copper windings on universals I try to cut it off 'with' the direction of the winding, (holding the string with one pliers - vise grips - in a non-used winding/plain string area and circle my cutting pliers with the wrapping of the copper winding).  I have been doing it for 40 years and have never had a problem.  And most of the  time I never give the string a "twist" after I have installed it.  The CA glue is a great way to make sure the end of the winding is secure IF there is a problem.

Ken Gerler
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Kathy Harrod 
  To: pianotech at ptg.org 
  Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 7:01 AM
  Subject: Re: [pianotech] Deck the halls with universal bass strings

  Rob...
  If you must use them and you have buzzing, try putting a drop of CA glue at the ends of the copper where you cut it off.  It usually stops the buzzing.

  Kathy
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Rob Mitchell 
    To: pianotech at ptg.org 
    Sent: Monday, December 21, 2009 8:26 PM
    Subject: [pianotech] Deck the halls with universal bass strings

    I tried installing a universal bass string today and was again faced with unacceptable buzzing, even when I twisted the hitch-pin end multiple times.  So far my success rate with these has been about 1 out of 3.  I'm ready to start decorating the tree with the ones I have left since it seems that's about all they're good for.  

    As far as prepping these for installation, am I missing something or is just the nature of the beast.  (I realize these are less than optimal compared with ordering new strings, but the customer really just preferred a quick solution).  

    Rob

    Mitchell Piano Service

    (415) 994-1030

    www.mitchellpianoservice.com

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