Restringing Baldwin

[Delwin D Fandrich]

Ted Simmons wrote:
> 
> Someone please satisfy my curiosity.  What can you do to a bass string to
> make it better?  All it is is copper wrapped around a square-shaped steel
> core wire.
> I can't see where one type of copper is better than another since it only
> adds weight, and piano wire is basically the same all over.  So what is it
> that makes the difference?  I'd really like to know.
> 
>         Ted Simmons
>         Merritt Island, FL
> 

Ted,

Actually, quite a lot.

There are different types of core wire that can be used, though none of
it is square that I know of. The so-called "universal" (which I take to
mean "universally worthless") strings use a hexagonal core wire as do
the bass strings on some European pianos. But square? I don't know of
any.

As may be...there are also different types of copper wrap wire. Some is
softer, some is harder.

Even if the materials are identical, there can be considerable
differences in how they are made. The string winder may use higher or
lower tension on the core while the wrap wire is being spun on. He (she)
may use higher or lower tension on the wrap wire. Some winders are much
more careful with the precise point at which the wrap wire starts and
stops than are others.

I design the stringing scales for all of the pianos that we rebuild as
well as for new pianos. When we order bass strings for a piano being
rebuilt, I specify the diameter of the core wire, the diameter of the
wrap wire and the diameter of the inner wrap (if any) that are to be
used. I also specify the distance from the bridge pin at which the wrap
should start and the distance from the agraffe at which the winding
should stop (with the string at tension). And, I expect to get exactly
what I order. 

Some winders are careful to follow my instructions precisely, others
seem to feel that their best guess is close enough, and at least one (GC
in Toronto, Canada) refuses to wrap to my scales entirely. He says they
"won't work." I'm not sure how many more years of experience I'll need
as a piano & scale designer before people will accept that I want what I
want (and am paying for) and not what they want to send me. If the
design is wrong I'll accept the responsibility for it. Ah, well...

If you're really interested, find somebody who is willing to let you
watch them wrap a set of strings. You'll see.

ddf