colorof felt and stringing cloth

[Jurgen Goering]

Recently someone asked whether mattered what color  stringing cloth is used 
when restringing a Kawai grand.  My answer would be: Yes, for me, it does 
matter. 

For many piano manufacturers, the stringing color is connected to the 
company's identity.  Can you imagine a Steinway with yellow or green felts 
on the plate?   Call me a stickler, but I am a bit saddened when I see a 
fine old Bechstein or Bluthner, rebuilt with red stringing cloth and red 
backed damper felts.  And when the stringing cloth is that pinky red cloth 
which has made the rounds, my stomach turns.  Although the felt color is 
strictly visual and not functional, I can't help but wonder what other 
attention to detail has been skipped in the rebuilding process.  Why would 
anyone skimp on five dollars on a job worth thousands?

Gone are the days when you could have stringing cloth in the color of your 
choice as long as it was red.  Quality felts and cloths are available in red 
but also in green for rebuilding Bechsteins and blue for Kawai, Bluthner and 
Ronisch  instruments.  Just in from Europe, burgundy is also available for  
Bosendorfer and others.  Check out my web site or contact me for samples.

Of course, the color anyone uses is a matter of personal preference.  Go 
ahead and use any color you desire (as long as Joe Garret approves <G>).  
Just do me a favour and stay away from the pink stuff.

Jurgen Goering
www.pianofortesupply.com