bass string problem

[David Nereson]

            Had a string break in the low tenor during a pitch
raise on a 1983 Everett console.  Decided to put on a universal
string and leave it if it sounded OK.  (Would order custom
string if it didn’t).  Measured the string on the tapered slot
gauge and it said # 8, so that’s what I put on.  Wouldn’t pull
up to pitch – it broke.  Have only had that happen maybe twice
in 25 years.  Brand new strings can usually be pulled way over
pitch and still not break.  So tried a # 8 ½  instead, thinking
it’s meant to be at a higher pitch than the # 8.  Nope, it broke
too!

            Now, the winding on the original string is aluminum
or nickel (I assume), not copper, but should that matter?  It’s
the core wire that holds the tension, right?  I measured them
all when I got home and the original string’s core wire is .037”
, the # 8 measured .039”, and the # 8 ½ measured .038”, I
believe.  Shouldn’t that be close enough?  Should I go back and
try a # 9?

            I’m going to send in the original and have a custom
string made, but I’m wondering why the universals broke way
before they were up to pitch.  No, I didn’t see any burrs, etc.
on the upper plate bearing, pressure bar, etc.

            --David Nereson, RPT



P.S.  Why did they use aluminum or nickel wound for the two
lowest tenor strings, when all the bass are copper?
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