[pianotech] Piano Wire Metal

[Will Truitt]

That may have more to do with how the strings were made than the
composition.  I just replaced a brand new set of bass strings on a M & H A
from one of our domestic bass string suppliers where half a dozen strings
broke in exactly the same place on the straight wire right below the barrel
of the end winding (about 1 ½” from the end of the loop).  My guess is that
there was some flaw in the winding process that overstressed the wire past
the elastic limit at that point, causing it to fail during the chipping
process.  Perhaps our esteemed British bass string maker could make some
comment on what might happen in the process of making the strings to create
this.

 

Will Truitt

 

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Michael Magness
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009 12:46 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org; A440A at aol.com
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Piano Wire Metal

 

 

On Tue, Feb 10, 2009 at 8:07 AM, <A440A at aol.com> wrote:





I have an opportunity to have some strings analyzed to ascertain the exact
cause of why they broke(long story). In order for the analysis to be done
accurately they need to know the composition metal of piano wire. I have
always understood it to be tempered steel.


Greetings, 
   I don't think it is tempered, but, rather, annealed in order to rectify
the work hardening that occurs when the metal is drawn through the dies.  
   It is also curious that someone could analyse wire to determine the cause
of breakage and not be able to analyse the material, itself.???? 
regards, 
Ed Foote RPT
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html



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My understanding (2nd hand) is that he only does the analysis of the break
based on the composition of the metal which is usually provided to him. He
is involved in Homeland security contract work and offered to do this for
his father whose piano I rebuilt and had the problem string(s) on. Wound
strings which broke at the loop, something I have only had happen once in my
40 years in the business prior to these.

 

Mike

-- 
I intend to live forever. So far, so good. 
Steven Wright 


Michael Magness
Magness Piano Service
608-786-4404
www.IFixPianos.com
email mike at ifixpianos.com

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