cleaning strings

[Paul McCloud]

Hi, Simon:
	The supply houses have string erasers called polita cakes.  They look like
ordinary erasers from a stationery store.  There's abrasive particles
impregnated into the rubber, so they do a good job of cleaning rust and
corrosion off the steel strings.  Polita won't work on the copper bass
strings.  You can use a piece of steel wool on those.  Don't use any liquid
on strings, especially bass strings, like brasso or copper cleaner.  It
will make them sound dead.  If your bass strings sound "tubby" and muffled,
you can loosen them and take off the loop at the other end.  Make a coil
with the string to flex the string and break up the dirt and corrosion on
the windings.  Then install them on the pin again, after giving the string
a twist to tighten the coils.  Inspect the coils to see which direction to
do this.  Twist in the direction that the coils are wound.  You will be
amazed at the improvement in the tone of the bass.
	After cleaning the strings, you'll have to retune of course.  Be careful
not to damage the dampers when you do the cleaning. 
	Good luck!
	Paul McCloud
	San Diego


> [Original Message]
> From: Simon Baxter <homemadehome@gmail.com>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Date: 12/03/2005 4:12:49 AM
> Subject: cleaning strings
>
> I'm not a piano tuner, but I'd like to be someday, and am spending
> some post-college time learning about it. I have a question about
> piano strings.
>
> Recently I took apart an old upright I got for free, because I
> couldn't afford the moving cost and wanted the parts anyhow, for some
> first dabblings in instrument building.
>
> Projects in mind are an Aeolian Harp, and a Hurdy-Gurdy, both which
> I've found some step-by-step designs for on-line (though if anyone
> knows of any others, I'd love to see them!)
>
> The strings are awfully dirty, my hands are black after handling them
> for awhile. I feel like I should clean them, but how and with what?
> This is all completely new territory to me... any resources and
> suggestions are welcome. Thanks!
> _______________________________________________
> pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives