Restringing

[Martin Dubow]

Brian,

Thanks much for your thoughts. What's a bellyman felt?
Also, would you know where I can find an illustration on
how to make a pattern of the bass strings so as to order
the correct sizes?

Martin



Brian Trout wrote:

> Hi Martin,
>
> A couple of things come randomly to mind.  I'll just start spouting them
> off.
>
> If you haven't already destrung the little beasty, take some careful notes
> of what's there.  (Wire sizes, how many unisons of each size, which strings
> are tied, whether there's wound strings above the tenor break, how many,
> etc.  All of those little things that are easy to think we'll remember and
> we don't.)
>
> I'm not sure quite what all you're doing, but when you have the strings off,
> you'll have access to areas you can't get to as easily when the strings are
> on, so if you're planning to do any cleaning or the like, that's the time.
> You can also get to the bridges very easily if they need anything.  I don't
> know if you're intending to pull the plate to refinish or not... the list
> can get pretty elaborate...
>
> Take note of where the bellyman felts are so that you can duplicate them, if
> that's what you intend.  If you can, it's not a bad idea to save the old
> felt and / or card stock to use for patterns.
>
> While you have all of those strings off, it might not be a bad idea to check
> the surfaces of the capo bar(s).  On some pianos they can develop some
> pretty significant grooves that the strings ride in.  It probably wouldn't
> take much to dress them up a little. You're never going to have the
> opportunity to do it so easily as when it's already destrung.  (I won't
> belabor this one.  Perhaps others will have more advice.) If there are some
> big grooves in the capo bar, it won't give you as nice of a termination
> point, and it may drag more while trying to tune.  It'll also frustrate you
> when trying to space the strings as well as trying to tune them.
>
> Before you pound in your first tuning pin, grab a roll of masking tape.
> (Size unimportant.)  Find the unison where the next wire size begins and
> place the tape over all three holes in the plate, covering them up.  That
> way, when you're going gangbusters stringing, forgetting all about how many
> unisons you've done, you'll come to the tape and stop.  Then you'll change
> wire sizes to the next size, relocate the tape to the next wire size change
> point, and proceed with the stringing.  It may sound a bit silly, but it'll
> save you from that panicked moment when you realize you've strung 8 extra
> unisons with #14 wire... and now what do you do...
>
> Cover the stretcher with something.  Heavy cardboard stock works.  I've seen
> people use heavy pipe insulation around the rim if you want to cover the
> sides of the case at the ends of the pinblock area.  If you're like me, at
> least once during your episode with the 2 pound wonder in your hand, you'll
> miss that little punch, or it will glaze off the side, sending the thing
> into a crash course with whatever is in it's trajectory.  Just pray that it
> isn't your thumb, or it won't likely be praying you'll be doing... at least
> not right away.  (You can pray for forgiveness later. <grin>)  Prevention...
> and all that stuff...
>
> Also, if the soundboard is anything you'd like to preserve from the
> inevitable scratches that a couple of hundred string ends etc. can make, you
> might want to lay something on the soundboard.  I've used lots of different
> things.  It doesn't take much.
>
> Take note of any aliquots, or rear duplex type devices so that you can be
> sure to put them back in their proper places, if that is your intent.
> (Trust me, you won't remember every detail...)
>
> Some of the front duplex termination bars on some pianos are also
> detachable.  If you're taking them off to clean or polish or replate them,
> you'll want to mark them in such a way that you'll know which one goes
> where.
>
> As you string, don't forget to move the pinblock support jack along with
> your progress.  It's kind of out of sight down there, and easy to forget
> about.
>
> An easy thing to do that'll serve two purposes, is to lay a movers blanket
> on top of the piano, exposing your work area, but covering the area you're
> not working on.  If you bring the pad back far enough to cover the pinblock
> area you're not working in, not only will it provide some protection, it'll
> give you a place to lay a few tools, if that's where you like to have them.
> When you get to the bass strings, it's also a handy place to lay them out
> flat where they're handy.
>
> Not everyone will agree with this one, but I find it easier to straighten
> out the coils and do a basic level of the pins as I go.  Some people prefer
> to just get them all in there, and then worry about being fussy.  To me it's
> easier to do it as I go, because it seems like such a big job when the whole
> kahoona is staring you in the face.  Besides, it's easier to straighten a
> coil that has an empty couple of holes beside it.
>
> If you're putting string braid in the tails of the tenor section (on the
> long bridge), it will be easier to put it in before you put on the bass
> strings.  It will also be easier to do some of the tapping of the string
> loops at the hitch pins and seating at the bridge pins before the bass
> strings go on.  (At that point, I do have some tension on the strings, so
> they're not going to go far.  I can always come back and check things
> later.)
>
> When you're stringing the bass section, you might want to keep the cut off
> pieces of wire.  They make a good stock of wire to make new ends for broken
> bass strings.  And you'll have a nice assortment of sizes.
>
> I don't know if it's considered part of restringing or not, but while you're
> in there, it's an easy job to rebush the damper guide rails.
>
> Wow, talk about long winded.  Am I ever!
>
> That's the random thought pattern that came to mind.  I hope you'll find at
> least one idea that'll work for you.  I'm sure there are a whole bunch of
> people with more experience than me that could add to the list.
>
> Good luck with your restringing job.  I hope it goes well for you.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Brian Trout
> Quarryville, PA
> btrout@desupernet.net
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Martin Dubow <tuner@mediaone.net>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2000 11:13 AM
> Subject: Restringing
>
> > Hello All,
> >
> > Next week I will be doing my first restringing. It's on a baby grand.
> > If any of you would care to comment on your first restringings and
> > what I should watch out for, I would greatly appreciate it.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Martin
> >
> >