Eric
If you have a good micrometer, and measure each string at the same place, then you're going to have to assume the measurement is correct. What might make a difference is if you can see that the string you're measuring, and it doesn't fit the pattern, if it has been replaced at some time in the past. It might not be visible, but you can spot them if you look closely.
Some manufacturers didn't always follow an even pattern, (18,17.5, 17, 16.5, etc). So take what there and be satisfied with it. If you want to try to improve the scale, there are several people on this list who offer that service. You need to ask yourself if it's worth investing on that.
Original Message:
Sent: 5/10/2026 9:05:00 PM
From: Eric Werner
Subject: Ludwig upright piano stringing scale question
Hello all,
I am restringing an old Ludwig upright, and have been taking micrometer measurements of the old plain wire strings as I remove them. As I get farther into the tear down though and I am looking at the notations I have made of my measurements I am not sure they have been correct. I used to own the old Randy Travis stringing book with all of the scales in it but cannot seem to find the book (and I/m not even sure there was a scale in that book for a Ludwig upright piano anyway). Does anyone have any advise or wisdom for me to make sure that I get the plain wire sizes as correct as possible? Does anyone still have that book who might be able to check it for me? Thanks in advance for the help!
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Eric Werner RPT
Medford OR
(541) 301-7988
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