String splicing

[Paul S. Larudee]

Newton,

I've never had to do one that thick before, but I basically do it the
same way except for one occasional difference.  Depending on the
situation, and especially if it is a bichord string, I will sometimes
use a hairpin loop in the new string rather than a 3/4 (270 degree)
loop.  One advantage is that I don't have to remember which direction to
make the loop.  I don't even have to thread the loop onto the old string
before making the second loop.  The biggest advantage, though, is that I
don't have to worry about the excess wire touching the adjacent string,
since it returns parallel to the wire and not perpendicular to it.
That's especially critical with bichords.

Of course you still have to think about the excess wire from the other
loop, but at least it cuts your worries in half.  You also have to make
sure that the excess is not so long that it comes back to brush the
agraffe.

Paul S. Larudee, RPT
Richmond, CA

Newton Hunt wrote:

> If I have enough room I will splice in the speaking length
> and if I don't have enough room I will peel back some of the
> winding.  I make a small loop in the old string and a large
> loop in the replacement string.  Large enough to slide over
> the diameter of the wrap.  I bend the loops almost 89
> degrees so the loops can slide together unimpeded.  I then
> use vise grips to the end of the new wire and pull with my
> full weight to close up the loops and check the integrity of
> the splice.  If the string is out of the piano I put a
> capstan wrench through the tail loop and pull up hard with
> the capstan under my shoes.
>
> _My_ problem is remembering which way I turned the first
> loop since they have to be turned in opposite directions.
>
> Life it tough sometimes.
>
>                 Newton