Restringing Baldwin

[Ted Simmons]

Thanks, Del.  When I said square core wire I meant hexagonal.  Sorry.  But
your post has given me the answer I was looking for.  I wasn't aware that
there were so many variables to consider when making bass strings.  Thanks.


Ted Simmons

>> 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