Fortepiano Wire (was Re: Brass wire)

[Jeff Tanner]

Hi Blaine,
This is a very clever trick!  Thanks for the tip!

I'll have to keep this one in my repertoire.
Jeff

>
> Strings quite often break where the string leaves the tuning pin coils. 
>A method told to me by a harpsichord maker when in a pinch is to use a
>large paper clip at the hitch pin loop.   Bend the paper clip straight,
>put two loops on each end as you would put in a single string hitchpin
>loop (don't forget to thread the clip through the existing loop on the old
>string first), and put the other end over the hitchpin.  It doesn't have
>to be pretty as it is functioning as a strong spacer.  You will get 2 - 3
>inches more to play with at the tuning pin and will be able to get 3 - 5
>windings around the pin (on a harpsichord).  A small paper clip may be all
>that can be used in the upper part of the scale before it interferes with
>the bridge.  The string is already stretched, and if the paper clip is
>pretty straight, tuning will not be the problem as it would be if a new
>string was used.  There are probably a lot of different ways to fasten an
>old string in this manner--some types of picture hanging supplies come to
>mind.  I have one string that still has the paper clip on and it is
>holding fine.  I also have a large and small paper clip in my harpsichord
>tool box with a loop on one end waiting for this type of inevitable
>breakage. 
>
> Blaine Vesely
> Kent, Ohio
>