CAUT

  • 1.  storing stock replacement bass strings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-28-2019 21:09

    Hey everyone..

    Does anyone have a good way to store bass string sets?

    *Even better would be quick access to individual strings as needed.*

    (Do you label each one separately so you can easily see where it is and keep it all in it's original tie-up as when shipped?)
    I'm thinking of doing just that.

    I have a stock set of Steinway D and B strings.

    I dread the day I'd need a certain one located in the middle..

    Thanks everyone!

    :}

    michelle



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    Michelle Stranges
    Western Washington University
    Bellingham, WA
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  • 2.  RE: storing stock replacement bass strings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-28-2019 21:41
    Hi Michelle:
    You might use a wire curtain ring, which is supplied with a set of universal strings. The strings are labeled individually, but manipulating them around the ring you can extract the one you want without having to remove a bunch of them (and then have to put them back on a wire). Simply rotate the ring until the string you want is near the opening of the ring. Open the ring and remove it from the set, while the other strings are safely on the ring. Take the sets of strings you have and remove them from the wire they're threaded on, one at a time, and put them in order on the ring. If you need the strings for occasional replacement on pianos you service, this is an easy way to keep them on one hook in the shop or storage area.
    Paul McCloud
    San Diego




  • 3.  RE: storing stock replacement bass strings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-29-2019 13:32
    Here is a version of what Paul was describing. I use think BR punchings as placeholders for the ones I remove.

    IMG_8638.jpg






  • 4.  RE: storing stock replacement bass strings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-14-2019 23:27

    AWESOME and thank you!!

    On the same subject, after you have them in this spiffy get-up, do you hang them?
    Put them in a closet?

    At Ithaca College my boss had strings stored by hanging them in a tall metal locker/steelcase cabinet with a low wattage dampp chaser rod plugged in.
    I'm thinking of doing that same set up, but interested to hear how others store them once they are easy to get a hold of.

    MANY THANKS ALL!!!!

    :}
    michelle



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    Michelle Stranges
    Western Washington University
    Bellingham, WA
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  • 5.  RE: storing stock replacement bass strings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-15-2019 14:08
    Hello,

    At ASU we decided to move on from the curtain hook method.  We fabricated string holders with 6" pvc couplings (see photos).  Two strips with a label maker of odd and even numbers, offset, and at half inch spacing, makes for an effective pattern for drilling.  Individual strings are then hung on the appropriate bolt.  The holders are slightly more cumbersome to carry, but the upsides are: the ability to hold more than one set, leaving no down time between orders; quick identification of missing stings and replacement of new orders; quick retrieval of required new string; ability to compare (double check) old to new string by hanging old string on new string bolt and stretching them both out; no more counting mistakes moving the strings around the curtain hook :)  The string holders hang well on a peg board and are easily transported it needed.

    Rick

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    Rick Florence
    Gilbert AZ
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  • 6.  RE: storing stock replacement bass strings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-15-2019 17:24

    LOVE THIS!! and Thank you!!!

    :}



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    Michelle Stranges
    Western Washington University
    Bellingham, WA
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  • 7.  RE: storing stock replacement bass strings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-15-2019 19:51
    Correction:  The pvc couplings are 4".  The pegboard hooks are 6".  Now you understand the counting error reference...

    Rick

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    Rick Florence
    Gilbert AZ
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  • 8.  RE: storing stock replacement bass strings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-15-2019 08:40
    Ms. Stranges
    In the C&A basement at Steinway Hall we had a 1 by 4 about 5 feet long bolted to the wall about 7 feet up. It had two rows of small finish nails on which hung a set of bass strings for both a model D and a model B  The nails were numbered so we could find the correct string in a hurry when needed.

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    Karl Roeder
    Pompano Beach FL
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  • 9.  RE: storing stock replacement bass strings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-15-2019 17:24

    Thank you!!!!!

    :}

    michelle



    ------------------------------
    Michelle Stranges
    Western Washington University
    Bellingham, WA
    ------------------------------