Pure Sound Piano Wire

[Bdshull@AOL.COM]

Hi, Dale,

I know we've talked on the phone a little about our shared perception of some 
older pianos having better than expected sound for their age;  it seems 
especially the case for 1890's Steinways which haven't been rebuilt.  I know 
that there is some difference in the composition of cast steel wire from 
piano to piano, even in the same make, from the 1880's to 1910's, but I 
believe that Pure Sound wire is to be used on pianos with short scales, that 
is, whose treble scales had significantly shorter speaking lengths, because 
the wire was more flexible than modern cast steel wire.   Mid-19th-century 
pianos after iron wire fit that category, including Steinway through 1878 
(like the Style 2's which you and I have each dealt with).   Ed Swensen's 
website (Mozartpianos.com) includes information on wire composition analysis, 
including modern Steinways from the late 19th century;  I am not sure that 
Pure Sound would work well on these pianos, but I wonder if today's wire 
(Roslau, Intern. Gold) is generally stiffer than 1890's wire.   

Bill Shull, RPT


In a message dated 4/1/01 3:09:53 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
Erwinpiano@email.msn.com writes:

<< List'
 
  I've been contemplating with interest  the tonal qualities of the new pure 
sound wire I've seen advertised in the journal recently.  I also read the 
suppliers article in the ptj but didn't find it complete.  
      Has any one out there who has extensive restringing, rebuilding exp. 
used this product and comment on any type of increase in sound 
clarity,sustain or whatever.
     It is amazing that on some old but well preserved pianos that the old 
strings at least to my ear sound as good and sometimes better than the new 
ones.  Am I hearing things or what?  Be nice.
 
 Dale Erwin
  >>