[CAUT] Sperrhake Harpsichord wire

[reggaepass at aol.com]

In general, if a string continues to break at a given diameter, you should try thinner wire.

We've got a double-manual that routinely sheds it's smallest gauge of brass wire (.014").  So, would you recommend that I try .013" brass (if such a thing is to be had), or go to .013" steel, or ???

Thanks,

Alan Eder 



-----Original Message-----
From: Fred Sturm <fssturm at unm.edu>
To: caut at ptg.org
Sent: Thu, Dec 3, 2009 9:21 pm
Subject: Re: [CAUT] Sperrhake Harpsichord wire


I agree with Dave. Zuckermann kit wire is likely low tension. Sperrhake is likely high tension (same stuff as piano wire, available from Schaff and from Hubbard, if not from Instrument Workshop). In general, if a string continues to break at a given diameter, you should try thinner wire. But in this case it is likely the wrong material. 
Regards, 
Fred Sturm 
University of New Mexico 
fssturm at unm.edu 
 
On Dec 3, 2009, at 9:25 PM, David Doremus wrote: 
 
> Barbara Richmond wrote: 
>> Hi list, 
>> 
>> I'm having some trouble installing replacement strings on a >> Sperrhake harpsichord. The wires that came out were .009". 
> The first thought I have is that maybe you have a low tensile iron > and you need a high tensile wire. Lutz at the Instrument Workshop or > Steve at Zuckerman should be easily able to supply some. I'd be > surprised if it is any smaller than .008". 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --Dave 
> 
> New Orleans 
> 
> 
 
 
 

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