dented piano wire

[John M. Formsma]

Lance,

Yes, he was doing this from the top on the speaking length area.

John Formsma

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pianotech@ptg.org [mailto:owner-pianotech@ptg.org]On Behalf
Of Lance Lafargue
Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 1999 5:49 PM
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Subject: RE: dented piano wire


Thanks John,
Was he ironing from the top in the speaking length area?  I do this, but
from below near the capo bar and agraffes.  I also use a string hook. for
the bass strings and agraffe area.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pianotech@ptg.org [mailto:owner-pianotech@ptg.org]On Behalf
Of John M. Formsma
Sent: Monday, August 09, 1999 10:13 PM
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Subject: RE: dented piano wire


Lance,

At the convention, the Steinway technician gave a class on concert prep.  He
had a brass  tool which he used to "iron" the strings.  I believe that he
did this in lieu of seating strings with a hammer shank, but also for
removing falseness in individual strings.

When I got home, I made one from an old brass lid prop.  There is a groove
in one end which is placed on top of the string.  Then, the string is
stroked with an "ironing" motion.  Maybe that will help.  ????

I made the groove with a Dremel tool and cutting disc, and ground the outer
edges into a triangular shape so that they would fit in between treble
strings.

John Formsma

P.S.  The concept looks similar to that of the false beat eliminator in the
Schaff and Apsco catalogs.  I've not seen one out of the catalog, but it
seems like both tools will accomplish a similar purpose--straightening
string kinks.