Subject: Bad bass strings The bass strings used in factory production are not wound sequentially as a "custom" set would be, but hundreds of string number 1, then hundreds of string number 2 etc. are produced at a time. Therefore, each string in a set of bass strings on a new piano don't share much in common, until they are installed. It follows that anything that affects the entire set must be occurring after the piano is made. If such an environmental event did occur in the factory, there would be literally thousands of pianos thus afflicted. Warranty claims, shipments for replacement strings and technician calls would reflect any such situation, and quite frankly, they don't. What I AM aware of are the unpredictable effects that common chemicals (and the "clouds" they can produce) can have on the relatively reactive copper used in bass strings. I have personally dealt with the negative effects that chemicals used in swimming pools, to control insects, maintain furniture finishes and to make the air smell "pretty", have had on bass strings. So when a entire set of bass strings "gives it up", and there is no structural damage, it is always a environmental concern. At least so far. But the day isn't over yet... Mark Wisner Yamaha
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