<html> When I was a newbie, I purchased a set of universal bass strings. I ended up throwing them away after 10 years or so, they were so discolored and I rarely used them. A splice will usually repair the string, more often permanently. I figured the hex core was doing damage to the termination. If a splice doesn't work, replace. As far as economics went, installing a universal and then a replacement would cost the customer twice as much so I didn't see the benefit to having a set on hand.  Plus it takes longer to prepare a universal than to splice. To get back to the micrometer, I prefer the tension gage because you can measure felt thickness as well quickly. A curve in music wire will inhibit any mic reading which is why you must orient the curve on a lateral plain to the faces, also slight finger pressure on the plunger insures a snug fit. I just think the tension gage has more applications than the screw variety. Regards, Jon Page At 09:54 PM 02/06/2000 -0500, you wrote: >Terry, > >I have a micrometer, but for measuring plain wire I usually revert to a wheel-shaped music wire gauge (#342, new Schaff catalog, p. 59).  It's not quite as exact, though, since it doesn't show half-sizes, if my memory serves me correctly. > >In addition to keeping plain music wire sizes 13-20, already mentioned by someone else, I keep a complete set of universal replacement strings (Schaff, pp. 76-77).  I really don't like these very much, but they are less expensive than ordering custom-made replacements if you are doing a repair on a piano of lesser value.  A universal replacement string can also be used on a better piano if you are really caught in an emergency, but it >should be replaced later with a better string.  You can buy as a whole set the first time, then just buy single string replacements as you use them. > >If you go this direction, buy also the "universal bass string and tuning pin gauge" (#344, Schaff, p. 59). > >Regards, >Clyde Hollinger > >pianolover@worldspy.net wrote: > >> 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 >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Get free Internet service and email at <a href="http://www.worldspy.com/" eudora="autourl">http://www.worldspy.com</a> > <div>Jon Page,   piano technician</div> <div>Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass.</div> <div><a href="mailto:jonpage@mediaone.net" EUDORA=AUTOURL>mailto:jonpage@mediaone.net</a></div> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </html>