Why NOT to polish bass strings.......

[Stéphane Collin]

Hi Matt.

Nice to read your comment.
Also, you raise a point of importance, methink : the difference in tension 
between bass guitar strings and piano strings.  About how this difference 
comes in play, I only can guess, but what is sure, is that bass guitar 
strings are very bright from time 0 (new) to begin with (and then quickly go 
duller), while piano bass strings breathe only after some tunings and some 
days stretching (and they last longer).

Best regards.

Stéphane Collin.

p.s. : I must one day try this boiling procedure, see what happens.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <stuka at mindspring.com>
To: "Pianotech List" <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2007 10:36 PM
Subject: Re: Why NOT to polish bass strings.......


The method for boiling bass guitar strings: in a large-diameter pot or 
skillet of depth enough to cover all strings, bring enough water to cover 
the strings plus at least a couple of inches extra to a rolling boil, coil 
stings into the pot, let boil for 5-10 minutes or so after rolling boil 
resumes.  Longer doesn't seem to hurt.  I'm guessing that thicker piano bass 
strings might respond to longer boiling times, some experimentation might be 
necessary.