String Removal during Restring with Original Pins

[Bill Ballard]

Dear List,

I about to restring a large piano leaving the original 2/0s in place. 
I'd like to know about how large of section of old strings should be 
removed during the process. Certainly, best use of time would be to 
remove *all* strings. The owner is saving the old bass strings 
(although they'll be off and pulled aside during the tenor section).

Is there any point in trying to maintain some fraction of the string 
load, or should I simply say that there is nothing to be gained by 
trying to spare the board and rim of the complete unloading and 
reloading. It really seems as though I should completely remove all 
plain strings at the outset, to streamline the work flow.

This has nothing to do with seating, spacing and finishing touches on 
the restringing. It's a simple matter of whether the complete 
unloading and reloading is something I should avoid. (Don't worry. 
I've got a lawyer who tells me I can sue you guys if I get bad 
advice.)

Thanks in advance,

Bill Ballard RPT
NH Chapter, P.T.G.

"There are fifty ways to screw up on this job. If you can think of 
twenty of them, you're a genius......and you aint no genius"
     ...........Mickey Rourke to William Hurt, in "Body Heat", discussing arson.
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