<html><body> <DIV>Thank you Avery for the clarification.  I have a friend with an old spinit, a Hennry Miller with a bass string problem.  Would you recommend a universal for this piano? Marshall</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #1010ff 2px solid">-------------- Original message -------------- From: Avery <avery1@houston.rr.com> No Marshall, not at all. Universal strings are replacement bass strings for old "beaters/spinets", whatever, that aren't worth doing correctly. Meaning having new bass strings made from a sample. You cut it to length, unwind the copper to approximate what was there for length originally and hope it comes out OK. I've used them, but never would on a good quality instrument. Except for a temporary emergency! Be nice, now, Joe. :-D Avery Todd University of Houston At 09:22 PM 6/3/2006, you wrote: <BLOCKQUOTE class=cite cite="" type="cite">Hi Dave, Does this mean then that certain brands of pianos need that brand of string?  I'm curious. Marshall <DL> <DD>----- Original Message ----- <DD>From: <A href="mailto:dporritt@mail.smu.edu">Porritt, David</A> <DD>To: <A href="mailto:joegarrett@earthlink.net">joegarrett@earthlink.net</A> ; <A href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">Pianotech List</A> <DD>Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2006 12:25 PM <DD>Subject: RE: Wire Size <DD>Joe: <DD>   <DD>I’ve been doing this work for 33+ years and while I used to have universal bass strings I haven’t for about 25 years.  What do you use them for?  (i.e. what kind of piano do you hate so much that you use universals on it?) <DD>   <DD>dave <DD>   <DD>David M. Porritt <DD><A href="mailto:dporritt@smu.edu">dporritt@smu.edu</A> <HR> <DIV align=center></DIV> <DD>From: <A href="mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org">pianotech-bounces@ptg.org</A> [<A href="mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org" eudora="autourl"> mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org</A>] On Behalf Of Joseph Garrett <DD>Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2006 9:41 AM <DD>To: pianotech <DD>Subject: Re: Wire Size <DD>   <DD>It is best to invest in the Tools of the Trade. First: a good micrometer. Second: Order the 1/3rd pound coils of wire, (with the Brake) Third: A complete set of Universal Bass Strings. Anything less, is not professional, IMO. <DD>Since Money is always an issue, I'd suggest the Micrometer First, (borrow wire from your Mentor). <DD>Regards, <DD>   <DD>   <DD>Joe Garrett, R.P.T. (Oregon) <DD>Captain, Tool Police <DD>Squares R I <DD>   <DD>  </DD></DL></BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE></body></html>